Santa is coming to town and the reindeer are getting a bit of a break because the big guy caught a ride on the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) activity bus. The curbside holiday bus, decked out in lights and dazzling decorations, carries Santa, who’s Deaf and uses American Sign Language, so CSDB students can let him know exactly what they wish for this year, while Mrs. Claus talks with other students.
As Max Wilding pins up decorations on Santa’s bus, he can’t help but think how the kids will react. “Their eyes just glow,” he said. He does this for the students at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, where he was once a student. “We try to think of something best to be able to provide spirit for our children,” Wilding said.
Growing up, it was always hard to find a Santa who used sign language. “When you go to different stores or centers there’s usually a hearing Santa, so of course for our students who are Deaf and who want to communicate, there is not that communication,” he said.
That’s where he and the CSDB team stepped in. “We’re calling this the Curbside Holiday Cheer Bus,” he said. The bus is bringing cheer to students, across Colorado, and is set up for social distancing. Also on the bus, the CSDB Bulldog, who maneuvers through the excitement using his cane for navigation. Students enjoy receiving treats from Santa and chatting with his elves. “We give them candy, hot chocolate, and time to take pictures with Santa,” he said.
Max continues, “It’s very important to be able to provide language access to our students stuck at home ever since COVID hit. This is an opportunity for us to see them face-to-face, watch them talk with Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas and have that spirit to inspire all of them.”
“We visited Pueblo and Denver last week, so this week we’re stopping in areas of Colorado Springs,” he said. And as he keeps pinning those decorations, he keeps wondering… how will they react this time?
“When they see Santa’s words, it’s so heartwarming to experience the response the kids have,” he said. “I really can’t explain how each of the kids react, but it’s very exciting to see.”
Thanks to KOAATV and Fox21News, who contributed to this story.
https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/sign-language-using-santa-touring-across-colorado
https://www.fox21news.com/top-stories/signing-santa-delights-students-at-colorado-school-for-the-deaf-and-the-blind/