First Signing Starbucks in America to Open in Washington, D.C.

The Starbucks Corporation announced early today that they will be opening up their first Signing Store in the capital, coming October 2018. The new location will be deaf-friendly, offering many new employment opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing.

From the Starbucks website: “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.”

This is not the first Signing Store in the world; in 2016, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia opened to create a unique experience for the deaf and hard of hearing. The new store will be modeled off its Malaysian predecessor in its design and functions.

The store will be located on 6th and H in downtown D.C.