Starbucks Is Opening Its First U.S. Signing Store For The Deaf Community
Two years ago Starbucks opened a Signing Store - one designed to employ people with hearing loss and create an easier coffee-ordering experience for them - in Malaysia, the concept is finally coming to the U.S. In October, Washington D.C. will be the first American city with a Starbucks that caters to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Starbucks plans to hire 20 to 25 partners (what they call their employees) - all of whom will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), whether their hard of hearing or not. Many traveled to the Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia store last year to better understand the model. That'll play out in D.C. with design modifications, including an open floorplan - for better communication - and low glare reflective surfaces.
All of the artwork at the D.C. location will also be designed by a deaf artist, as will the custom mug sold there. At the counter, deaf baristas will wear aprons embroidered with "ASL," and hearing partners will have aprons that read "I Sign" - both created by a deaf supplier. Drink orders will be signed when they're ready for pick-up, but there are ordering options for novice signers.
The Signing Store will be located at 6th and H, near Gallaudet University, a private university for the deaf and hard of hearing population.
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