Starbucks Opens First Signing Store in US Near Gallaudet University

Today the doors opened to the first ever signing Starbucks in the United States. The location is in Washington D.C. right by the campus of Gallaudet University on 6th and H street. The store will employ 25 deaf or hard of hearing people with the requirement they are proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).

October 23, 2018 at 10:50 am
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Contributed by Shawna Mizelle 


Today the doors opened to the first ever signing Starbucks in the United States. The location is in Washington D.C. right by the campus of Gallaudet University on 6th and H street. The store will employ 25 deaf or hard of hearing people with the requirement they are proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).

Starbucks said, “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.”

Customers will be able to order by signing, writing down their order, or by using a chart.

The new Starbucks location also features artwork and a custom mug created by a deaf artist.

Inspiration for the store comes from a similar signing Starbucks in Malaysia which opened in 2016. You can see what people are tweeting about the first signing Starbucks below.