Students with disabilities get special visit from Santa, receive donated gifts

UPPER WEST SIDE (WABC) -- Some students on the Upper West Side got a special visit from Santa Tuesday, and they have a special connection to Santa's helper who visited and handed out gifts.

The students at the Lighthouse Guild's holiday party may not be able to see Santa, but they looked to his arrival.

At the Lighthouse Guild on the Upper West Side, students, ages five to 21, are blind, deaf, visually impaired or have other disabilities. And yet, Santa was a delight to them.

A toy drive provided the gifts Santa gave to the children.

"Has everyone been good?" Santa teasingly asked.

Most of the kids grabbed their gift as fast as they could, but others spent a little time communicating with him through tactile cues, symbols and electronic devices.

And there was even an olfactory component. The room smelled great--like gingerbread cookies and Christmas trees, a big hit for these kids, along with the music.

"We try to make it a multisensory (experience)," said Dr. Linda Gerra, director of educational services.

Ruben Cracalla, dressed up as Santa actually attended this school.

"I've been playing Santa for many years," says Cracalla. "I've been rehearsing."

He looks forward to this event as much as the kids have.

This is the spirit of the holidays!