Deaf-Friendly Businesses

This is a place to recognize businesses in the Rochester area that cater to the Deaf Community.

• If you see someone at a business using sign language to communicate with deaf customers, or your apartment's door buzzers have flashing lights in addition to sound, or anything like that, let everyone know!
  

• If it's something like ASL interpreter services, it's obvious they're deaf friendly - this is for businesses that people may not already know about.
  

• Please edit the page rather than commenting, to keep the list alphabetized.

For business owners seeking to communicate better with deaf customers, there are a few things you can do:

• Have pen and paper at the ready, for those who cannot communicate verbally.
  

• Be courteous. Don't stare blankly at customers when they indicate they're deaf. Don't turn away and walk away. You can offer pen and paper if you don't know any sign language and they can't communicate verbally.
  

• You can learn the signed alphabet for simple communication. Deaf customers are often very happy to help you practice!
  

• These signs also help tremendously:
  

• How to say "How can I help you?"
  

• How to say "Thank you"
  

Mac's II Auto Repair
Feb 2012: TTY/FAX/AIM, plus Interpretype (ITY) for face-to-face communication. On their website, an video-taped sign language interpreter explains specific information related to their services.