The world becomes a much more magical place when we make room for others.
Zoe’s first trip to Disneyland was magical enough, but nothing compared to her second visit. As she and her family made their way around the park to meet as many iconic characters as they could, they ran into Anna from “Frozen.” They expected a nice little chat, as usual, but what they didn’t expect was a conversation where Zoe didn’t need her parents to interpret for her!
“Zoe is from Africa,” her mom, Jeanette Tapley said. “She is profoundly deaf. She came home seven-ish years ago and had no language prior to becoming a Tapley.”
Both Jeanette and her husband, Jesse Tapley, had a background in American Sign Language (ASL) long before they adopted young Zoe – Jeanette has family members who are interpreters while Jesse was taught ASL by his mom and aunt, the later of which was a deaf foster mom. That’s why they were both so open and ready to give a deaf child a new home.
Still, it wasn’t until they had Zoe that they fully realized the ways the world could be more inclusive.
“Disneyland actually has some great services for hearing impaired and early in that trip we went and watched a show that had interpreters,” Jeanette told Upworthy. ” … you don’t realize how un deaf friendly theme parks are until you are wandering around with your deaf child. With Zoe we just try to make her aware of her surrounding and have check in spots.”
Although this isn’t the first Disney character actor to use ASL to communicate with guests, this is the first time Zoe has met one of them, making the moment all-the-more special!
“Zoe was in shock,” Jeanette shared. “She was so excited to be chatting with a Princess without my husband or I having to jump in and assist her. She just kept saying, ‘Wow!!!’ We all just cried because it was so special and surprising!”
Since sharing a video of their interaction on TikTok, the video has gotten over 2 million views and countless comments expressing how much this heartwarming moment means to them as well. We feel the same way!
Watch this special moment between Zoe and Princess Anna below, and don’t forget to share.
@jeanettetapley When Princess Anna can sign and have a full conversation with my deaf child. 🥹 Zoe has never been able to chat with a princess without Jesse or myself interpreting. This was magical. Thank you Princess Anna for making our trip so special! #deafchildren #asl #americansignlanguage #BigInkEnergy #fyp #feelgood #inclusionmatters @Disney Parks @Disneyland California ♬ For the First Time in Forever – From “Frozen”/Soundtrack Version – Kristen Bell & Idina Menzel
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