He does the sign for “hello” with his hand touching his forehead and waving outward. He follows that up with a hand on his chest before the index and middle fingers on each hand cross over one another and tap twice, saying “my name.” Then Ryan fingerspells his name. Slowly and cautiously. Anyone in the Deaf community would pick up that he’s a beginner as he takes his time remembering each sign, but that’s not what matters. The little girl’s face lights up as she watches him, catching on to how new he is when she slowly signs her name back.

