To sign 'available,' form both hands into an 'open 8' handshape. This means keeping your hands open with your fingers spread, but bending your middle fingers inward toward your palms. Place your hands near your chest. Move your hands in an alternating, upward circular motion, lightly brushing your bent middle fingers against your chest as they move up.
Sign 'TOMORROW YOU AVAILABLE?' using the open-8 handshapes brushing up the chest, while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'MEETING ROOM AVAILABLE,' ending with the alternating upward motion on your chest to show that the room is empty, free, and ready for use.
Sign 'NOW I NOT AVAILABLE.' Be sure to shake your head negatively while performing the sign for available to clearly show that your schedule is full.
Sign 'TOMORROW YOU AVAILABLE?' using the open-8 handshapes brushing up the chest, while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'MEETING ROOM AVAILABLE,' ending with the alternating upward motion on your chest to show that the room is empty, free, and ready for use.
Sign 'NOW I NOT AVAILABLE.' Be sure to shake your head negatively while performing the sign for available to clearly show that your schedule is full.
Yes! In ASL, the concepts of being 'available,' 'empty,' and 'bare' share the exact same sign. The context of your sentence will make it clear whether you are talking about an empty room or your available time.
Yes, for this sign, your bent middle fingers should lightly brush against your chest as they move in their upward circular motion. It shouldn't be a hard tap or scratch, just a light, continuous graze.
While you might occasionally see native signers use one hand in casual, rapid conversation, the standard and most clear way to sign 'available' is by using both hands in an alternating motion. Beginners should always practice the two-handed version.
