Starbucks Just Opened Its First "Signing Store" in the US — See All the Accessible Features

Updated on 10/23/2018 at 3:05 PM

Starbucks

On Oct. 23, Starbucks finally opened the doors of its first Signing Store in the US. Located in Washington DC, the store employs 25 people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing partners and proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). Starbucks officially announced the news this past July and released a statement saying, "The store will create a distinctive retail experience for all customers, while offering a unique store format that promotes accessibility and offers employment and career advancement opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people."

The location is modeled after Starbucks's first-ever Signing Store, which opened in Malaysia in 2016. Starbucks employees in the US expressed interest in a similar store that caters to the deaf community, and a group of them traveled to Malaysia to learn about the inner workings and design of the space.

The store displays exclusive artwork and custom mugs designed by deaf artists, and it features a variety of enhancements to support the deaf and hard of hearing customer experience. For example, deaf baristas wear ASL aprons embroidered by a deaf supplier, while hearing partners (employees) who sign wear an "I Sign" pin on regular green aprons. Customers who are new to ASL have the option to place their orders using a picture menu of popular Starbucks drinks or by writing it down on a so-called "tech pad."

The first Signing Store in the US can be found at 6th and H Street in Washington DC. Keep reading to take a peek inside.

The Signing Store Just Opened Its Doors to the Public

It's located near Gallaudet University, a bilingual (English and ASL) institution for deaf and hard of hearing students.

There Are Custom Umbrellas on the Sidewalk Outside

They feature the company's name as well as ASL finger-spelling of the company's name.

Customers Are Greeted by a Custom Mural That Celebrates Deaf Culture

It was created by Yiqiao Wang, a deaf artist and adjunct professor at Gallaudet University.

The Store Features a Special Mug Designed by a Deaf Artist

Jena Floyd crafted them exclusively for Starbucks stores.

The Mugs Read "Coffee Brings Us Together"

In a press release about the Signing Store, Floyd said she was thrilled to have her work and that of other deaf artists on display because it shows "what we're capable of as contributing citizens of our society."

The Boards Feature a "Sign of the Week"

It tells customers exactly how to say the word in ASL.

All Employees Wear a Green Apron With Something Special

Those Who Are Deaf Wear One Embroidered With the ASL Finger-Spelling of Starbucks

These were created by a deaf supplier.

Hearing Partners Who Are Fluent in ASL Wear "I Sign" Pins on Traditional Green Aprons

These pins are actually available for any Starbucks employees around the nation who are proficient in sign language.

Customers Can Either Order by Using ASL With the Cashiers . . .

. . . or by Writing Down Their Order on a "Tech Pad"

There's a Screen That Alerts Customers When Their Order Is Ready

It displays the person's name and how many items are in their order.

One Coffee For Matthew!

The feature is designed to ease communication for people who are new to ASL.

There's Other Artwork in the Store That Celebrates Sign Language

This one features the ASL finger-spelling of the whole alphabet.