Recently, a new Google Chrome extension launched called ‘SignUp’, which overlays ASL (American Sign Language) captions for a number of movies available on Disney+ including “Frozen”, “Moana,” “Zootopia” and “The Incredibles.”

SignUp was founded because many young people from the Deaf community find written captions indescriptive, or even absent from media sites.

A 2017 study showed that 80% of children who signed face challenges with reading – making written captions inaccessible. It will also be used as a learning tool for ASL students. SignUp is a fun way for kids (and adults!) to enjoy mainstream movies. This extension offers a new generation an opportunity to enjoy films in ASL and the plugin already has been downloaded by thousands of users.

The plugin’s creator, Mariella Satow, a senior at high school, who funded the project by walking dogs, explained

I started learning ASL last year, and soon realized there was a lack of free and engaging learning resources. After further research, I discovered how limited the opportunities were for certain Deaf individuals, especially children, to engage fully with television and movies and decided it was time to change this. I worked with ASL experts and the Deaf community to create SignUp. SignUp enables a viewer to stream a movie and, simultaneously, a small pop-up window will appear with an interpreter signing in ASL. Students can use it for learning and everyone can enjoy movie nights! Currently available to watch: Moana, Zootopia, and The Incredibles.

There are plans to expand the number of movies available and to extend coverage out to other streaming platforms.

The ‘SignUp’ is entirely fan-funded and users can support the project directly via a GoFundMe campaign.

You can download the plugin for Chrome browsers by clicking here or via the Google Chrome Extension store by searching ‘SignUp’.

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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