Disney is introducing a new way to experience some of its most memorable animated songs. Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language arrives on Disney+ April 27, presenting three musical moments from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios films reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL).
Released during National Deaf History Month, the project brings together Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Tony Award‑winning Deaf West Theatre. The collaboration transforms familiar songs into animated ASL performances that focus on emotion, movement, and storytelling.
Three Disney Songs Reimagined
The debut collection features three songs from recent Disney Animation films:
Each sequence was animated specifically to reflect the expressive motion of ASL.
A New Approach to Animation
Veteran Disney animator and director Hyrum Osmond led the effort with a team of more than 20 animators. Instead of adapting existing scenes, the team created new animation built around sign‑language reference performances.
Osmond worked alongside Deaf West Theatre artistic director DJ Kurs, sign‑language reference choreographer Catalene Sacchetti, and Deaf performers who helped shape the ASL storytelling. Their approach focuses on ideas and feeling rather than direct lyric translation.
Collaboration with Deaf West Theatre
The partnership with Deaf West Theatre played a key role in the project. Performers first developed ASL interpretations of the songs, which then served as reference for the animation team.
This process allowed the sequences to reflect both the rhythm of the music and the natural flow of ASL performance.
Sam’s Disney Diary Take
Disney songs often define the emotional moments of an animated film. Presenting them through American Sign Language offers another way to connect with that storytelling.
If you want a preview of what this style can look like, Deaf West Theatre previously performed an ASL interpretation of “I See the Light” from Tangled on their YouTube channel. That performance shows how beautifully Disney music can translate into sign language.
That video ia below a preview of what projects like Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language could continue to bring to Disney+ in the future.
Disney Songs in Sign Language Coming to Disney+ — ASL Preview
