Santa gets sign language help at Poughkeepsie Galleria

December 7, 2019
5:24 am

POUGHKEEPSIE – Children that use sign language to communicate will be able to talk with Santa Claus on a one-on-one basis through an innovative collaboration between ThinkDIFFERENTLY, Mid-Hudson Interpreter Service (MHIS), the Poughkeepsie Galleria, and community sponsors. Beginning on December 7th and going through December 22nd, American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be with Santa Claus at the Poughkeepsie Galleria to provide assistance to those wishing to communicate with the Jolly Old Elf.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro proclaimed that services like this one are at the core of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY mission by allowing everyone of every ability to enjoy all aspects of the community. In touting this distinct service, Molinaro said “Kids that are differently-abled face obstacles and this is an example of how to overcome the obstacle. For a kid, there is anything more magical or special than a visit with Santa.”

According to Jeanine Byrnes, Program Director for MHIS, the program, aptly named “Give Santa A Sign” was tested last year on a limited basis and the feedback was extremely positive. For this holiday season, corporate and community sponsors have allowed for the program to add additional dates and times to accommodate those needing assistance to chat with Santa. Byrnes said “Visiting Santa is a highlight of the season for many but it can be very frustrating to those that rely on ASL to communicate.” According to Byrnes, individuals that use sign language to communicate can find visits with Santa without the ability to express themselves can feel isolated because they are unable to be understood. This program seeks to eliminate those barriers.

MHIS is a program offered through Taconic Resources for Independence, seeks to ensure that everyone that visits Santa’s Poughkeepsie Galleria Workshop can walk away from their visit feeling like they were able to connect with Santa. Byrnes said “We hope that this event will be a magical experience and create lasting positive holiday memories for the children, their families, and adults alike who rely on ASL.”

Dates and times for the unique visits are:

Saturday, December 7th 11 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm

Sunday, December 8th 9 am – 11 am & 2 pm – 4 pm

Saturday, December 14th 10 am – 12 noon & 2 pm – 4 pm

Sunday, December 15th 11 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm

Saturday, December 21st 10 am – 12 noon & 2 pm – 4 pm

Sunday, December 22nd 11 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm