A new Starbucks outlet in Malaysia has ventured on a path less traveled.
The Bangsar Village II coffee place has taken on a non-conventional route by hiring deaf baristas to serve its constant stream of customers. The store is the 1st ever Starbucks Signing Store to open globally, and the company is working closely with The Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID) to provide employment opportunities.
10 deaf partners (employees) have been employed by Starbucks, with an additional 3 hearing partners. This includes the store manager, Evonne Lo, who immediately signed up for the position when she heard of the initiative. The deaf will also be represented by Mohammad Aizad bin Ariffin, who will serve as the store’s shift manager.
“Since I joined Starbucks 3 years ago as a barista, my goal has been to become Starbucks Malaysia’s first deaf store manager and after my recent promotion to shift manager, I’m well on way to achieving this dream. It’s an incredible feeling to share my journey and help develop other deaf partners,” said Ariffin.
2 sign language interpreters were also with Starbucks throughout the hiring, training, and coaching stages for the deaf partners, and they will also be in charge of teaching sign language to the other employees.
In the newly-opened outlet, the ordering method will be vastly different from other Starbucks store, as your order will be written on an order ticket. The baristas will then key in the order, which will appear on a point-of-sale dual screen to ensure that no mistakes are made.
You’ll know that your beverage or food item is ready when your order number flashes on a large screen above the pick-up counter. For those with a Starbucks Card, a kiosk will be provided for customers to check their card balance and rewards.
The initiative is the 1st for the enormous coffee chain company, and we hope that it will pave the way for other companies to hire those who are less fortunate in the future. If you appreciate Starbucks’ sweet gesture, don’t forget to drop by their outlet to show your support!
For more information, visit Starbucks Malaysia’s official website and Facebook page.
