Non-deaf barista at Coffee Bean here. What are some terms I can learn to help my deaf customers?

Question

Hello! I think I'm finally ready to bunker down and learn some actual ASL. As a barista, it's my job to get you the drink you want. I don't want my deaf/hard of hearing customers to feel like they have to compromise or make "my life easier" and get the easy drink. What are some drinks and terms I can learn to make this exchange beneficial to both parties. So far I have: latte, chocolate, coffee, muffin. not a lot but I'm making progress. also how do I sign americano? would it be the same as USA? I don't know how to do this. please help. Thank you!!!!

Answer 1

When you are working with nouns you can spell them. Especially specific names. BUT you can assign a sign to certain Nouns. The issue is, if you make up the sign, if a new signer comes into your store thy will spell it not knowing the sign you made for it. Unless it goes viral in the community, you never know.

I would spell it first and then sign AMERICAN. Then with that person you can always sign American. If a new person comes in spell it first and then sign AMERICAN.