Madam Speaker, Christmas time is a special time for many children, but inclusion looks different for some children at this time of year. For deaf and hard of hearing children, something as simple as telling Santa their Christmas wish can be a barrier. In my riding, at Funhaven, I joined hundreds of children to see the “signing Santa”. Santa Claus communicated with the children in American sign language and Quebec sign language.
Santa also took off his hat to show the children his cochlear implant. One little boy began to cry and signed that Santa Claus was just like him.
I also had a chance to phone Santa, through SRV Canada, a video relay service that interprets voice to signing.
I thank the volunteers at Quota International, Ontario Hands & Voices and SLIAO for making this day so special and making a world of difference, where every child is included.