# Signed Inclusion Businesses increasingly accommodate people with hearing impairments. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jul 19, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/signed-inclusion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Signed Inclusion trend? **Signed Inclusion:** Whether for employees, customers or both, brands are better adapting to the needs of people with hearing impairments by creating environments in which employees and/or customers can communicate in sign language. By enhancing communication between employees and customers in this way, these brands are setting a precedent for how retail design can work to remove barriers to inclusion. ## The consumer insight behind the Signed Inclusion trend People with physical or cognitive disabilities and their allies are working as activists to promote their needs, and demand that they’re met. With these shifts in societal attitudes, brands have responded by providing services that allow inclusion. Brands that are authentically committed to inclusion will appeal to consumers who want to see themselves in the companies they support. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 30, 2017 to Jul 19, 2019 - Published: Jul 19, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Signed Inclusion trend ### Inclusive Business Businesses are adapting to the needs of people with disabilities contributing to an inclusive society ### Accessibity Technology Technology companies are creating software and products that can increase accessibility and remove barriers ### Community Building Organisations are fostering a sense of community centered on inclusion and accessibility ## What the Signed Inclusion trend means for industry ### For Retail Retail companies can make shopping accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities to better serve the community ### For Hospitality Hospitality professionals in this industry are creating environments for inclusive dining and accommodation ### For Technology Technology is being harnessed towards building more accessible platforms for people with disabilities ## Workshop question In what areas could your brand better prioritize inclusion? ## Trend signals for Signed Inclusion Trend score 2.3 out of 10, from popularity 31%, activity 29%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 31% - Activity: 29% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Signed Inclusion trend 4 featured examples from Sep 30, 2017 to Jul 19, 2019. - [Sign Language Coffee Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signing-store): The Starbucks Signing Store Further Validates the Deaf Community (Category: Social Good) Implication: Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments can seize the opportunity to integrate ASL and employ deaf staff to provide a more inclusive and accessible experience fo… - [Sign Language Grocery Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signsburys): Signsbury’s will be Open for Four Days and Highlight Inclusivity (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can explore opportunities to create inclusive and community-focused shopping experiences. - [Hearing Impairment-Friendly Coffee Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-signing-store): Starbucks' Signing Store is Opening in Washington, D.C (Category: Social Good) Implication: The food and hospitality industry, specifically coffee chains and independent cafes, can create deaf-friendly stores by hiring employees fluent in sign language, locate near deaf… - [Ridesharing Signing Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sign-language-tips): Uber Offers Basic Sign Language Tips to Communicate With Deaf Drivers (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing accessible communication technology within the transportation industry at large. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)