Today I got my first vaccine shot! Which is great and wonderful, but I want to focus on one thing. (thread)

I went to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which is a mass vax site organized by FEMA and opened only today. The line was very long but quick, and I passed several checkpoints reminding me to get out my ID and QR confirmation (did not check eligibility, did require appointment)

But when I got to the mouth of the actual check room (right before the actual vax room), there was a guy pointing everyone to open tables to talk to a real Nat Guard person to confirm I was supposed to be there.

When I got pointed to a table, I signed "thanks" in ASL, because I've been doing that my whole life. It's easy, and it makes things simple when your mouth is full or you're already talking to someone or-- your mouth or voice is obscured by a mask.

So I signed "thanks." And the guy noticed. And he half-followed me until I turned around (didn't say hey you, wait up), at which point he signed something like "are you hard of hearing" or "do you need accommodation" whatnot. He was sharp.

Personally, I don't need accommodation. I prefer subtitles on Netflix, but ASL is just a tool for me and not a necessity. But hella props to FEMA and the Nat Guard volunteers at Greenbelt for catching my ASL and checking. Someone is going to appreciate that.

Now go get vaccinated so I can get lunch with all you lovely people!!