Starbucks to open first sign language store in the US

Posted on 6 August 2018

Starbucks will open its first Signing Store in the U.S. in Washington, D.C. this October.

Image: supplied.

A team of deaf Starbucks employees and allies led the effort to launch this unique store model in the U.S., which will be located near Gallaudet University (known for its advances in education of deaf and hard of hearing students and deaf rights worldwide).

The store will feature exclusive artwork and a custom mug designed by a deaf artist, and a variety of enhancements to support the deaf and hard-of-hearing customer experience. Deaf baristas will have American Sign Language (ASL) aprons embroidered by a deaf supplier, and hearing partners who sign will have an “I Sign” pin.

To be eligible to work at the store, prospective employees must be proficient in ASL. For customers new to sign language, the store will offer communication options for ordering and receiving beverages at the hand-off counter.

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According to a press statement from Starbucks, the coffe shop “will create a distinctive retail experience for all customers, while offering a unique store format that promotes accessibility and offers employment and career advancement opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people.”

The idea to open a Signing Store in the U.S. was inspired by a similar Starbucks Signing Store which opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2016 with nine deaf partners.

 

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