Check with the local community college. They may have a continuing education class. Some have classes for senior citizens that are free.

I dated an interpreter for several months WAY back. Deaf people recognize that sign language is a slow and somewhat cumbersome language. They tend to be very terse, and often almost rude in how abrupt they are.

We might suggest that someone's shirt is a color of blue that doesn't seem to really match their complexion, much less the shoes or jacket they're wearing. We'd beat around the bush, make side comments, add in some positive statements as to prevent anger, etc. A deaf person would just say "that shirt doesn't look good on you". No time for mincing words, and no need to put the effort into signing some platitudes.

I'm from NY and guess we are all deaf. You don't have to wonder what a NYer thinks. They won't smile to your face and stab you in the back.

Unfortunately, this generalization applies to personal communication. In business they won't smile.

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