Starbucks' first U.S. signing store will serve up its first cup of coffee in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.
The store is completely staffed by employees who know American Sign Language. The new coffee shop is located at 6th and H Street NE, near Gallaudet University, a private university for the deaf and hard of hearing.
There's probably a lot you don't know about D.C.'s Gallaudet University, the world's only bilingual liberal arts university for the deaf and hard of hearing. The school features U-shaped classroom setups to foster signing discussions and walls that contrast with skin tones so signers don't blend into the background. In addition to creating a community of accessibility, Gallaudet's also had a historic impact that reaches far beyond its campus. (Part of NBC's Washington Wonders series.)
The unique store is modeled after the company's first-ever signing store, which opened in Malaysia in 2016.
The D.C. store features artwork and a custom mug designed by a deaf artist. The store has an open layout and low-glare reflective surfaces to help with communication.
Customers who are new to sign language will be offered other communication options for placing their orders.
