Two years ago Starbucks opened a Signing Store, which was designed to employ people with hearing loss and create an easier coffee-ordering experience for them in Malaysia.
Well, the concept is finally coming to the U.S!
In October, Washington D.C. will be the first U.S. city with a Starbucks that caters to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Starbucks plans to hire 20 to 25 partners aka employees who are all fluent in American Sign Language, whether their hard of hearing or not.
There will be design modifications, including an open floorplan for better communication and low glare reflective surfaces.
All of the artwork at the D.C. location will 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."
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.
This is amazing and hopefully more signing locations open up soon!