Woolies worker goes the extra mile for deaf couple
- Replies 8
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
You may have heard that quote before. That was from the famous Greek fabulist and storyteller, Aesop, and it still holds true to this day.
It can be seen in this heartwarming story of a young employee who went far above and beyond just to make a pair of deaf customers feel more welcome in the supermarket.
Casey learned Australian sign language so she could communicate with a deaf couple. Credit: 7News.
Because of a particular couple who have been regular customers of the store for several years, she decided that she would learn Auslan – the sign language used by the majority of the Australian Deaf Community.
Apparently, the couple are both deaf and have been having difficulties communicating inside the supermarket. So, Casey went out of her way to learn sign language just to make them feel more welcome.
She began learning the language by watching tutorial videos on YouTube, starting with simple greetings such as “Hi”, “How are you?”, “How may I help you?”, and many more. She also learned about supermarket-specific phrases, such as knowing the different weight volume measures.
When Casey finally decided to show the couple her progress and communicate with them through Auslan, it was a memorable moment she would never forget.
“I saw her eyes light up and speed up signs with her hands - it was a pretty special experience,” said the young Woolies worker.
She said her experience with the deaf couple and sign language, in general, inspired her to develop her skills even more. She is hoping to be able to hold longer conversations with them in the future.
She is also hoping that her little gesture would help more people with disabilities to feel more welcomed in their community.
Aaron Fuller, the store manager at Maryborough Woolworths where Casey is working, has recognised the young girl’s commitment to her work, and said that the whole store is extremely proud of her.
If, like Casey, you’re also interested in learning Auslan, you can start by learning the signed alphabet by watching this video below:
Credit: Abby Leah.