Starbucks to open US Signing Store

800px-Starbucks_ShundeUS coffee chain Starbucks is set to open its first ‘Signing Store’ in Washington D.C. this October.

The initiative was led by a team of Deaf Starbucks employees and allies in an effort to create a distinct retail experience for all customers while promoting accessibility and offering employment and career advancement opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

“This is a historic moment in Starbucks ongoing journey to connect with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, hire and engage Deaf and hard of hearing partners, and continue to find ways to be more inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all,” said Rossann Williams, Starbucks executive vice president of U.S. Retail.

Starbucks will hire 20-25 Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing partners from across the country to work at the Signing Store, with a requirement that they be proficient in American Sign Language.

 An example of how to Sign the word 'Starbucks'Signing the word ‘Starbucks’. Source: Starbucks

The store has gained support from the National Association of the Deaf, with CEO Howard A. Rosenblum applauding Starbucks for aiming to employ Deaf and hard of hearing people.

“Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating Deaf Culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society,” said Rosenblum.

The concept for the store is inspired by a Starbucks Signing Store opened in Kuala Lumpur in July, 2016, with US employees travelling to Malaysia to observe design modifications and gain knowledge in order to create a good experience for the Deaf and hard of hearing customers.

The company recently announced its intention to phase out plastic straws globally by 2020, with the company noting it was “the right thing to do for our environment, our partners and our business,” and was joined in the initiative by McDonald’s Australia yesterday.

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