Starbucks has launched a Signing Store for the first time in the U.S.

Starbucks has opened a Signing Store in the U.S. near Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C to serve deaf and hard of hearing people. It’s the first of its kind in the U.S. that is being run by employees who are also partially or fully deaf and capable of interacting in American Sign Language (ASL). There are over 25 people from around the country who are well-versed with ASL to be able to work at the chain. The inspiration to come up with this Signing Store in the U.S. came from Starbuck’s first ever Signing Store which was established in Malaysia in 2016.

The store also aims to create and promote employment and career opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing community. We think that Starbuck’s efforts to help these people to showcase their talent and skills for career advancement by enabling them to overcome the barriers to communication is commendable. It truly upholds the value of equality for all and celebrates the ethos of compassion for all at a deep level.

The store is also equipped with digital displays and notepads, and an ordering console with two-way keyboards so customers and employees can type back and forth. Among the other special deaf-friendly features are low-glare reflective surfaces.

Tags:
Starbucks, Outdoor, Coffee, Starbucks Signing Store, Gallaudet University, Washington, United States, U.S., Innovation, Deaf, American Sign Language