Coffee megamerchant Starbucks is about to open its first American “signing store” in Washington, D.C., to accommodate deaf customers, thereby expanding the whole notion of inclusivity, CBS News reported.
Starbucks is looking to hire 20 to 25 new employees, which it calls “partners,” for the location, who can demonstrate a proficiency in American Sign Language.
The store is in the vicinity of Gallaudet University, the world’s only institution of higher learning expressly for the deaf, and Starbucks’ program was created with the school’s ASL deaf studies department.
The Seattle-based company made the announcement Thursday in a press release.
“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 statement said, adding that it will be located at the corner of Sixth and H Streets.
The move was applauded by the National Association of the Deaf.
"The National Association of the Deaf applauds Starbucks for opening a signing store that employs deaf and hard-of-hearing people,” said Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf. “Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating deaf culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society."
The coffee giant also announced that with this latest move, it will continue to open career opportunities for the deaf.
This is a historic moment in Starbucks ongoing journey to connect with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, hire and engage deaf and hard-of-hearing partners, and continue to find ways to be more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all,” said Rossann Williams, Starbucks executive vice president of U.S. Retail. “This store is truly from partners, for partners, and we couldn’t have gotten here without the team of deaf partners and allies from our accessibility office and the Access Alliance partner network who came together to bring this vision to life. I look forward to the team welcoming the community to this store in October.”
The move was enthusiastically received on social media.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.