Gallaudet University Inspired Starbucks “Signing Store” For Deaf

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Starbucks opened their first US “signing store” for deaf people near Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

For years now, Starbucks has been a progressive brand that puts an extra emphasis on human beings and social issues. When POTUS passed an executive order to ban refugees, the coffee chain stepped up with an initiative to hire more refugees. Similarly, they also have made it a point to hire veterans and their spouses. Then when folks start working there, they’re at a place that offers part-time benefits and 100-percent tuition reimbursement to Arizona State University.

And since they’re Starbucks, they continue pushing things forward. On Tuesday, the company officially opened their first sign language store in Washington, D.C. near Gallaudet University — a college for the deaf and hard of hearing. The opening is Starbucks’ second “signing store” and the first in the United States. According to Washingtonian, Starbucks opened their first-ever “signing store” in Malaysia two years ago.

Via Washingtonian:

“The store, located in an existing Starbucks, includes lower counter tops and more lighting to facilitate visual communication. The outpost also features tablets where customers can write their orders as well as screens to alert them when their drinks are ready. Other original touches include “Starbucks” written in sign on aprons and in the window, a mural meant to encapsulate and celebrate deaf culture, and mugs designed by a deaf artist.”

Gallaudet University, listed as the top US and International school for the deaf by Very Well Health, played a huge role in the store’s launch and placement. Located just blocks from Gallaudet on H Street, the new coffee house is employed by 25 people who are fluent in sign language. And of those 25, the Washingtonian reported that 19 are deaf.

Adam Novsam, a Starbucks’ partner who helped develop the new digs, told the Washingtonian that H Street is a “national deaf hub” with “a lot of deaf things going on.”

Starbucks is more than a coffee house. They create communities wherever they pop up with a great atmosphere and even better people. On H Street, they’ve created the same thing for a group of people that are too often overlooked and marginalized. Good work, Starbucks.