Hearing-Impaired Kids Sign To Santa

From: Omaha Channel.com, NE - Dec 20, 2003

50 Deaf Children Share Wish Lists Saturday

OMAHA, Neb. -- About 50 hearing-impaired children will line up Saturday to tell Santa what's on their Christmas lists -- in their own language.

Boys Town National Research Hospital hosts the annual event, in which deaf children chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus in sign language.

Each child will get a face-to-face conversation with the famous toy-making couple.

The visit is offered courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers' "Operation Santa" and the Metro Regional Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

An interpreter will be on hand for hearing-impaired children who do not understand sign language as well as others.

Each child will have his or her picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and participate in other activities, such as face painting, crafts and tree decorating.

Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.