Signing Santa Makes Special Visit to Deaf Children

Charlotte, NC - Children from Charlotte area schools had a special visit with Santa at Northlake Mall Tuesday. The North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing hosted a meet and greet with Santa for deaf children and children of deaf parents.

Santa says when he was a little boy he dreamed of becoming that magical man who could help deaf children. This special Santa was chosen specifically for this event. He not only communicates with the deaf children, but he shares their disability.

Santa said, "I feel like they're left out of the conversation." He went on to say, "A lot of times children have never seen a deaf Santa Claus. They were amazed I could even communicate with them."

Children told Santa they wanted iPads and bicycles. Tamara Koehler, who is deaf, attended the event with her son. Koehler said, "We were thrilled that we had a Santa who could sign. I remember when I was a little girl my first time seeing Santa Claus who could sign, I was awed. I was just like, 'Wow."