Full Breakdown
Disney Animation Introduces ASL Reimagined Songs on Disney+
4/28/2026, 11:14:23 PM
Disney Animation Debuts ASL Reimagined Songs
Walt Disney Animation Studios released “Songs in Sign Language,” a series that reimagines three recent musical numbers in American Sign Language (ASL) and streams exclusively on Disney+. Debuting during National Deaf History Month, it features “The Next Right Thing” from *Frozen 2*, “Beyond” from *Moana 2*, and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from *Encanto*. The songs were newly animated to match ASL expression, marking Disney’s first dedicated effort to integrate sign language into its animated musical repertoire.
Background & Context
Disney’s century-long storytelling legacy now includes accessibility initiatives. Partnering with Deaf West Theatre, the studio aimed to honor National Deaf History Month by presenting music in a visual language for Deaf audiences. Animator-director Hyrum Osmond, whose father is hard of hearing, conceived the project. His limited connection with his father inspired a “takes down barriers” and “connects” effort for the Deaf community.
Key Figures & Groups
The project was directed by Hyrum Osmond, a Disney animator. Deaf West Theatre’s artistic director DJ Kurs oversaw the collaboration, with sign-language choreographer Catalene Sacchetti providing reference. Producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen managed the animation team of more than 20 artists. Eight Deaf performers supplied the signed choreography.
Data & Statistics
- Three songs re-imagined in ASL.
- Over 20 animators created new visual sequences.
- Eight Deaf performers contributed signed choreography.
- The reference team included a choreographer and artistic director from Deaf West Theatre.
Official Statements & Responses
Disney announced the series as a historic first-of-its-kind effort to embed ASL in its animated storytelling, underscoring a commitment to accessibility. Osmond’s team called the project “impactful” for bridging hearing and Deaf audiences. Deaf West Theatre described the collaboration as a “historic opportunity” to showcase its language to a global viewership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The inspiration for this is my father, who is hard of hearing,” — Hyrum Osmond, Animator/Director
- “Sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth,” — Hyrum Osmond, Animator/Director
- “When Hyrum approached me with a potential collaboration involving the integration of ASL into the fabric of Disney storytelling, it was an immediate ‘yes’ for us,” — DJ Kurs, Artistic Director, Deaf West Theatre
- “Disney stories are the universal language of childhood. The chance to bring our language into that world was a historic opportunity to reach a global audience. Working on this project was very emotional. For so long, we have known and loved the artistic medium of Disney Animation. Here, the art form was adapting to us. I hope this unlocks possibilities in the minds and hearts of Deaf children, and that this all leads to more down the road.” — DJ Kurs, Artistic Director, Deaf West Theatre
What’s Next
Osmond and Deaf West Theatre said the success of “Songs in Sign Language” could inspire further ASL-integrated Disney productions, expanding representation for Deaf audiences.
