Beautiful example of the visualization of a story

This morning I caught this short story on CNN (video below) on a very cool organization called D-PAN (Deaf Performing Artists Network) which, according to their website, "...create[s] media designed specifically to serve deaf audiences through the use of American Sign Language (ASL)." Their latest video is a visual interpretation of the song "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera. I never paid much attention to the song until I heard it augmented visually today by D-PAN. I think this is a great example of visuals combining with the music and lyrics to make a more powerful message. This is an inspirational little video for the deaf/hard of hearing and for the hearing alike. Frankly, I think it's better than the original; they did a great job with a good simple concept. You can watch the video below via YouTube, or go here to watch a larger version on the D-PAN site.



CNN on D-PAN
Here's a short news piece from today on CNN on the story of D-PAN (it was shown here on CNN Japan as well).

One more D-PAN example
If you like the video above, then you may like this one D-PAN did set to the song "Waiting on the World to Change." I like this one too, but some of the text is hard to read and it needs to stay on screen just a bit longer to be able to read it comfortably. Still, powerful stuff. Watch YouTube version below or watch a larger version here.

Comments

[Christine]

Thanks for posting this. My second language is sign language so I loved this site.

[Spencer]

Nice examples, Garr.

The Grateful Dead had an ASL interpreter on stage for most performances, and special seating for the hearing impared. The interpreters translated both the lyrics and the music, and were a treat to watch.

[Ken]

Not only did the Dead have an ASL interpreter, but there was a sizable subculture of hearing impaired fans, most of whom seems to fixate on Phil Lesh's powerful bass, which could be felt as well as heard.

Amazing video - thanks.

[Michael Sporer]

These are compelling videos. Deaf/hard of hearing is a disability that is much misunderstood. Thanks for posting this. It helps get the message across.....

[Hamlet]

How inspirational. At my school (Utah Valley University) we have a very strong ASL program. I am always impressed by the kindness of the students and teachers in the program.

Thanks Garr for posting this.

[John Spence]

Garr - and absolutely wonderful post, I enjoyed these videos so very much. Often times I have hearing impaired folks in the audience when I am giving a talk and it has been a joy to work with the ASL interpreters to make sure that everyone was enjoying themselves and getting value out of the class. Thank you for posting these clips, I'm going to forward the link on to everyone on my e-mail list -- extremely powerful stuff -- thanks -- John

[Chris Craft]

Garr,

I want to thank you for sharing this. I teach future teachers at a large state University in South Carolina. In my class there is a young lady who is hearing impaired. The University sends an interpreter each time we have class. When I introduced this video (Beautiful) I asked the interpreter to watch, too, since this would be the first time he could rest his hands during our class period. She was in awe an most of my class was in tears.

Thanks for this inspiration.

Chris Craft
www.christophercraft.com

[JB Smith]

Sean Forbes is an incredible talent. I was at a live D-PAN presentation the other night @ 54 Sound, Eminem's Recording Studio and home to D-PAN, and got to meet Sean Forbes and Joel Martin in person. These two guys are fantastic. I would not hesitate to contact them if you want to learn more. Their MySpace profiles are on my blog post.

Nice work on the blog. I am a huge fan of Zen.

JBS

[Xavier]

Similar work was done by French band Noir Desir with their song "Comme elle vient" (As she comes). The song was written after the 2002 French Election which saw extreme-right party Front National achieve 15% of popular vote and for the first time become one of the two main contenders in the second round of a National Election. The song is already extremely energetic (and a bit angry) but the sign language visuals give it a very powerful boost. Watch on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F8FP2RFhb8

[Allan McDougall]

These were just stunning. Thank you. I especially liked the second video themed around advocacy.

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