A supermarket worker has been praised for going the 'extra mile' after learning sign language so she could communicate with deaf customers.
The 22-year-old, known only as Casey, was inspired to learn Auslan (Australian Sign Language) when a local deaf couple became regulars at the Woolworths supermarket in Maryborough, Australia.
The deli assistant wanted to be able to communicate better with the customers and dedicated her spare time to learning basic greetings and different weight volume measures using YouTube videos.
She described the first time she conversed with a deaf customer in Auslan as a "special experience" and said the woman's eyes "lit up" when Casey began to sign.
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Speaking to news.com.au, Casey said: "It started off by learning Auslan on YouTube with simple greetings.
“Late last year, I’d dedicated most of my afternoons to learning simple retail greeting signs such as hi, how are you, how may I help you, as well as learning to communicate the different weight volume measures, particular to the deli department.”
Casey had been wanting to learn Auslan since she was in school and said she plans to continue learning the language so she can improve her ability to communicate with the couple.
“Something I’d like to do is hold a conversation with them in the future, so it’s definitely a skill I’ll continue to practice," she said.
Casey has been praised by her manager and colleagues for her heartwarming gesture and was presented with chocolates and flowers on behalf of the store.
Store manager Aaron Fuller said: "We’re extremely proud of Casey who went the extra mile to better understand our local customers.
“She brings a little good every day to the Maryborough community and to take it upon herself to support this couple is an incredible accomplishment.”
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