In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Starbucks has hired deaf baristas in collaboration with the Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID). Starbucks and SID are working together to provide employment opportunities for deaf employees. This is the first Starbucks globally to primarily use sign language.
Starbucks worked with SID to train the deaf employees and to teach sign language to the hearing employees in the store. Customers can either order by using sign language or by writing their order on menu cards. When the order is ready, the customer's number will flash on a screen. The shop also has a Starbucks Card kiosk that enables users to check their card balance and rewards. To ensure orders are right, the shop has point-of-sale dual screens so customers can confirm their order is correct. Although this is the first shop of its kind for Starbucks, it is far from the company's first social good initiative.
Sign Language Coffee Shops
Starbucks Collaborated with SID to Hire and Train Deaf Baristas
Trend Themes
1. Deaf-friendly Retail - Retailers are employing deaf staff and implementing adaptations to provide equal access to deaf customers, providing opportunities for innovative deaf-focused design and technology.
2. Sign Language Training - Training employees in sign language is becoming increasingly common as retailers seek to improve their accessibility and inclusivity for deaf customers, creating potential opportunities for education and training programs.
3. Social Good Initiatives - Companies are seeking to improve their social impact by aligning with diverse communities and promoting inclusivity, creating possibilities for new partnerships and campaigns.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers can implement deaf-friendly adaptations to provide equal access to their deaf customers, creating opportunities for deaf-focused design and technology.
2. Education - There is a need for sign language education and certification programs to train staff in retail and service industries, providing opportunities for educational institutions and online learning platforms.
3. Social Impact - More companies are seeking to have a positive social impact by promoting inclusivity and accessibility for diverse communities, creating opportunities for social impact organizations and initiatives.