This autumn, Starbucks will open its first store for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. 20 to 25 jobs will be offered to employees who communicate primarily in American Sign Language. It's the first Starbucks of this kind to open its doors in the US, and the second in the world: the first was established in Malaysia, in 2016. In a statement, the popular coffee shop chain insisted on its commitment to ‘inclusion, accessibility and diversity.'
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A whole district adapted to the deaf and hard-of-hearing
The team members will be able to communicate in American Sign Language, which differs from other forms of sign language. To date, there are between 121 and 124 different sign languages. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people with different backgrounds can often still understand each other as the underlying principles are the same. In opening the rather unique store, Starbucks wanted to help a community which sometimes feels excluded. The café will be situated not far from the Gallaudet University, a private institution which guarantees total accessibility to the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The geographical zone was planned in such a way as to help industries adapt to those with disabilities. As a result those concerned will be able to access all services without feeling confronted by obstacles.
The BBC website revealed two kinds of reactions on Twitter. There are those who find the initiative very interesting, as it allows employees to find a job adapted to their disability, as well as to easily communicate with clients and colleagues. For the public, it can be a gathering place where they can meet new people without being faced with language barriers. Other reactions are less enthusiastic: some find it silly that Starbucks focused on a single store instead of facilitating its integration into the ‘classic' store.
