First sign language Starbucks store opens in Washington, D.C.

Starbucks has opened its first bilingual store in the U.S. for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. All of the employees at the new location in Washington, D.C., are fluent in sign language. Errol Barnett reports.
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[@karmafairy351]

Isn't it kinda ironic that deaf people are not able to watch this video because there is no caption or subtitles?

[@nanawordie7967]

Karma Fairy ikr that’s so stupid

[@enricotan9620]

Karma Fairy t

[@hayman122]

lmao legit

[@brendapowers5684]

i agree its annoying no captions

[@doreencolangelo9318]

You can put subtitles

[@Fer-fy8dx]

2:25 He signed “to make out” and the other guy quickly corrected him 😭😹

[@esmegrant8442]

Fer OMFG IM DYING 😂😂

[@garynelson9538]

lol yes he signed "I want to make". But what was the cashier's last sign?? I didn't get it.

[@Fer-fy8dx]

@@garynelson9538 I think her last sign was asking him what size he wanted.

[@garynelson9538]

Fer yes it was!

[@SpeedCubeProRL]

OMG that's so funny! And people that don't know ASL, they can easily mistake it🤣 when I first started learning, my worst one was I was signing sex instead of visit, and I was never corrected 🤣

[@BahamaWynters]

A seemingly amazing story if CBS had close captioned/offered text for this video. Also, the reporter had a great teaching opportunity which he missed: Gallaudet is the District of Columbia school for the deaf. It is globally famous for its curriculum, programs and community support.

[@xevb.9495]

Captions? Subtitles? You make a video about how Starbucks is making their store available for deaf people but then the video doesnt have captions. Whats the point in making the video?

[@noorishataef6477]

0:00-0:10 - “Starbucks has opened its first bilingual store in the US for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. All the employees at the new location in Washington DC are fluent in sign language” 0:11-0:17 - “Errol Barnet is outside the Starbucks signing store where he learned a few different ways to order for himself, Errol good morning” 0:18-0:23 - “Good morning Gale, I’ve actually been able to sneak inside, or should I say ‘good morning’” 0:24-0:32 - “It is not unusual to see people in this part of D.C. using sign language because we are close to the worlds largest school for the deaf and we’re steps away from the US capital” 0:32-0:39 - “But for Starbucks, it’s a perfect place and opportunity to show what inclusion looks like” 0:41-0:47 - “Call it a sign of the times, instead of calling out names, at this Starbucks, they’ve gone silent” 0:48-0:53 - *man signs* “Even those who have a little bit of resistance, once they come in and have this experience, they become our allies” 0:54-0:59 - “This signing Starbucks, the first of its kind in the US, is a hands on experience”

[@noorishataef6477]

0:59-1:00 - “This means Macchiato” 1:01-1:02 - “Cold brew” 1:03-1:04 - “and pumpkin spice” 1:05-1:10 - “Manager Matthew Gilsbach, who like all the employees here is either fully or partially deaf, taught me a few others” 1:11-1:12 - “coffee is this” 1:13 - “ I can do that” 1:14-1:19 - “orders appear on this screen, and there’s an abundance of anti-glare table tops to eliminate distractions” 1:20-1:26 - “How big of a difference does being able to to do something like this make in someone’s life who is hard of hearing?” 1:27-1:28 - “Well Starbucks is more then just a cup of coffee” 1:30-1:34 - “It provides an experience, people come here as their third place” 1:34-1:36 - “the ideas been brewing since videos like this...” 1:37-1:39 - “Welcome to Starbucks! How can I get started for you today?” 1:39-1:44 - “when a customer at this Starbucks couldn’t order tell a barista appeared on the screen” 1:46-1:52 - “Starbucks got a wake up call after this Philadelphia store called police on two African-American men” 1:53-1:57 - “Howard Sholts, then executive chairman, spoke to Gale King in April” 1:57-2:00 - “We wanna be an inviting, welcoming, place for everyone” 2:01-2:09 - “the coffee giant closed all 8,000 stores for anti-bias training and now sees this store as an effort for inclusivity” 2:10-2:17 - “70% of death in hard of hearing people are unemployed entirely or under employed so it’s a way to give back to the community.” 2:18-2:23 - “and on its first day of business, Gilsbach showed me how to order using American Sign Language” 2:24-2:36 - “I would like a coffee?...sorry, grinding the coffee, grinding it... hot...Macchiato... please?” 2:36-2:40 - Moments later, how do you say cheers? Even though it’s a coffee...” 2:41-2:42 - cheers! *laughs* cheers! 2:43: *laughing* I know that one. 2:46-3:02- “Now look, Starbucks says that there are no plans to have other stores specifically designed for the deaf! But they say the point is for this store to be a real part of this community, up and down 8th street and provide opportunities, join other businesses that are employing those who are deaf a hard of hearing, Bryanna” 3:03-3:16 - “you know, uh, my aunt and uncle are deaf, thank you for that by the way Errol. My aunt and uncle are deaf and it’s so meaningful to hear stories like this from Starbucks and other companies that employ deaf people into the community, I’m gonna be taking then to Washington and this Starbucks” (Gale: “aw, that’s so nice”) 3:17-3:20 - “ and what we just learned in that cheers is a universal sign, everybody knows what that means” 3:21-3:22 - “and this is thank you” (Gale: “and that’s thank you”)

[@quimera.825]

@@noorishataef6477 brother, you are amazing for this subtitles, thanks!

[@mayrigby5916]

Funny that CBS posted this without captions. I mean are they trying to come off as ignorant?.

[@legstitchedtigerftw2455]

Cam Gha Bel Dom

[@Zabzabzab]

CBS - can you please add captions for those who have hearing loss? We do not understand a word what you're saying. Please look into ADA Law. Thanks!

[@garynelson9538]

Please turn on CC. Look in the CSL(common sense Law). Thanks! smh

[@devoutburrito]

@@garynelson9538 You look into CSL, Gary. There is no CC available for this video, bruh.

[@devoutburrito]

@@garynelson9538 smh smh smh

[@fp1912]

@@garynelson9538 wow what an uninformed and insensitive answer. If you had investigated for even one minute, you would know this wasn’t possible for this video. I hope you have humbled yourself a tiny bit.

[@justynaaugustyn5047]

I'm going there tomorrow for my ASL trip after we visit Gallaudet

[@shannelstarrbaked8369]

Such an amazing store! I visited it last year and I can’t wait to go back.

[@4evertony1]

Good for them! I like the peace and quiet.

[@BahamaWynters]

Tonester# Very funny. Those in deaf/hard-of-hearing communities maybe signing but that room is seldom quiet.

[@nitzring1992]

Hey CBS, can you add captions To your video? People who are deaf/hoh are complaining that they can't hear it please? Thank you.

[@GayCorvidae69]

2:30 Switched at birth taught me a thing or two, including the fact he signed making out hahaha

[@nootherlikemyownskin3818]

Thank you

[@brendapowers5684]

with all due respect why cant starbucks in each city has one have at least one per city deaf friendly? the deaf n hoh deserves to be accommodated n enjoy too! im hoh n slowly losing my hearing we hoh n the deaf exist n this world too you know!

[@adriecampo6222]

This makes my heart happy.

[@tammywilliams9733]

Soooo amazing.

[@littlecherryful]

Beautiful to see x I would love to learn sign language

[@BellaKoukla]

❤ this is awesome

[@chorlauheung4920]

All Starbucks, or hospitality/retail businesses in general, should have inclusivity for all. When we return to normal, and the end of Covid is here, I want to go to a restaurant/retail business that serves customers by signing! I don't know the language, but definitely want to learn and apply it.

[@donnaensman3089]

I am deaf and very happy to hear about must have to communication to deaf and hearing people too nice 👍🏻 very impressive there no shame Thank Jesus amen Hallelujah Hallelujah Amen

[@freindlyfreddy_hat4000]

That is heartwarming that deaf people can finely always experience a smooth jtrip while atu nstarbubcchks

[@scotthammond3105]

How beautiful and amazing this is.

[@toscatattertail9813]

The worlds largest Liberal Arts College for the Deaf, the first public school for the deaf, to go there as a hearing person you have to learn sign language because after the first year interpreters are no longer provided. It's a shame they are not doing this in every community that has a large deaf poppulation.

[@rachelcoloradomy3kidz778]

This is awesome 😎👍

[@hanna4940]

This is so great! I am a hearing person but always rise my hat for companies who are taking concider people with hearing problems and people with mooving troubles. But like many people said that this clip needs subtitles!

[@wickitywackjack3749]

Hey I am hard of hearing and because there are no Closed Captions on the video I wanted to make that right for deaf viewers. So I did my best to copy what the said word for word. I tried my best to break up the voice overs and conversations. Also I did not realize how much is was but enjoy.

[@n.c.435]

SUBTITLES????

[@LoveAlways1002]

💕💎💕💎 this warms my heart 💕💎💕💎

[@GrandImmoralbeast]

I am deaf and I can understand this video I go to DHH. I was born deaf and just to know it is not ironic. Most hearing video have no captions which is not fair for me but no captions for hearing to equal for all of us

[@wickitywackjack3749]

Hey I am hard of hearing and I made captions for the deaf viewers down below. I did my best to copy word for word. IN THE STUDIO Starbucks has opened its first bilingual store in the US for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. All of the employees at the new location in Washington DC are fluent in sign language. Errol Barnett is outside the starbucks signing store where he learned a few different ways to order for himself. Errol Good morning. IN THE STORE Good Morning Gayle I’ve actually been able to sneak inside. Or I should say {says good morning in ASL} It’s not unusual to see people in this part of DC using sign language because we are close to the world's largest school for the deaf, and were steps from the US capitol. But for starbucks it’s the perfect place and opportunity to show what inclusion looks like. VOICE OVER Call it a sign of the time of the times. Instead of calling out names at this starbucks they’ve gone silent CONVERSATION Even those with a little bit of resistance come in and once they’ve had this experience they become our allies. VOICE OVER 2 This signing starbucks the first of its kind in the US is a hands on experience {REporter says what signs mean} this means macchiato, cold brew, and pumpkin spice. Manager Mathew who like all the employee’s here is fully or partially deaf taught me a few others. CONVERSATION 2 {Explains signs} Coffee is this VOICE OVER 3 Orders appear on this screen and there's an abundance of anti- glare table tops to eliminate distractions CONVERSATION 3 How big of a difference is being able to do something like this make in someone's life whose hard of hearing. Well starbucks is more than just a cup of coffee. It provides an experience people come here as their third place. VOICE OVER 4 The idea has been brewing since videos like this. When a customer at this Starbucks drive through couldn’t order until a barista appeared on the screen. Starbucks got a wake up call when after this philadelphia store called police on two african american men. Howard Schultz then Starbucks executive chairman spoke to Gayle King in april. CONVERSATION 4 We want to be an inviting, welcoming place for everyone. VOICE OVER 5 The coffee giant closed all 8000 stores for anti bias training and now see’s this store as an effort for inclusivity. CONVERSATION 5 70 percent of deaf and hard of hearing people are either unemployed entirely or under employed. So it’s a way to give back to the community. And on it’s first day of business, the bill showed me how to order using ASL. I would like a coffee. Grinding the coffee grounds, hot caramel macchiato moments later. How do you say cheers? Even though it's coffee. I know that one. Now look Starbucks says there are no plans to have others stores specifically designed for the deaf, but the whole point is for this store to be a real part of the community up and down 8th street, provide opportunities join other business that are employing those who are deaf and hard of hearing. You know my aunt and uncle are deaf. Thank you for that by the way Errol. My aunt and uncle are deaf and it’s so meaningful to hear stories like this from starbucks and other companies that employ deaf people into the community. I am going to be taking them to the Washington Starbucks. What we just learned cheer’s is a universal sign everybody knows it and this is thank you.

[@kimberlyharvey8876]

@@wickitywackjack3749 Thank you for breaking down what was actually said . So very kind of you . To take the moment really appreciate you-doing this. For all hoh folks. Have a blessed new year.

[@wickitywackjack3749]

@@kimberlyharvey8876 Thanks. Since I am hard of hearing my self I understand what it’s like to need captions. I just wanted others to feel included. But your comment has made my day

[@ljsavage651]

Now make other language stores. I just so happen to speak 5 languages including sign language

[@alexanderbemar2637]

Nice!

[@Lizzy-qn3xt]

Hello, I'm Abby and I was born deaf. At some points of the video, there was not a person signing, and they didn't add subtitles. Which made me have to lip read which I don't like to do. I suggest adding subtitles to your oncoming videos.

[@crystal6770]

It must be so peaceful to work at that location

[@elizabethb1096]

I’m sorry but I started cackling at “pumpkin spice” like damn we basic

[@butterflygirl13]

Wonderful ❤️💕🥰🥰

[@laurenreynoldsd8079]

My fav drink he ordered. Actually the only one i order.CM

[@edwizard62]

That's awesome. Here in Saint Augustine Florida, which has the Largest School for the Deaf and Blind in America, has had Sign language employees in our stores and shops for over 40 years.

[@deafgen]

No CC

[@johnheffelfinger3231]

I hope many other businesses follow them

[@NancyScholz]

Why would a story about deaf people not include captions? This is violating ADA law.

[@enricotan9620]

Nancy Scholz r

[@quinntessential._]

Facebook brought me here and I thought "Oh cool! How nice!" But I couldn't even fully understand what they were saying >< thought there would be captions

[@growingbudz3902]

2 years later and CBS still hasn't read their comments.

[@ashleycanaday436]

I think each stat should have a Starbucks for the deaf and hard of hearing

[@MoromoMusic]

Can someone explain why the tabletops can't have reflection?

[@brooklynwilson643]

2 years later and CBS still doesn't know what inclusion looks like. How are you going to have a video concerning deaf people, but not allow captions on it?

[@nootherlikemyownskin3818]

Through World

[@xxredhoodxx5738]

I guess you can say theirs not a lot of talking

[@myronvenero9371]

And yet they still misspell your name on the cup.

[@ericfluellen8957]

I wonder if this Starbucks is close to Gallaudet University?

[@KS-cl8br]

Add captions.

[@mattrader4910]

Why youtube why do u recommend this to me now...?

[@darkflora6948]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@NorCaLove1]

Coffee in sign means something else to me in the morning

[@donnaensman3089]

God is good to around world too Amen 🙏

[@ashtynhensley3274]

It's kinda weird that the girl ordering at the beginning has earbuds in.

[@simplymarvelousliving]

Maybe she’s listening to music. Deaf people can use headphones and feel the vibrations, or if they’re not fully Deaf, can hear the music somewhat.

[@marlom9485]

💞🌹🌟so happy 😁💗

[@marlom9485]

It would be great if you have 1 person with sign language knowledge in every store. And it would be even GREATER if every commercial place join and become aware, responsable and inclusive 🌹Open your heart and think about being here and unable to hear anything spoken, hear music. For most part of the way we live, they are invisible... So Let's Make Them Invincible 🌹 Thank You 💗

[@TheHolmaj]

Of all videos not to have captions available. 🤦🏼‍♀️ smdh.

[@elchatodeoro1]

How are they Donna scream your name when order ready?

[@isiaharauz8959]

I would walk in starbucks and throw a C in that store

[@simplymarvelousliving]

Nobody: Absolutely nobody: CBS: **milks yet another story about Deaf people but yet again doesn’t put closed captions on which is not only hella stupid but is also illegal because of the CSL** Smh.

[@noorishataef6477]

I typed out the script but ig they deleted it, sorry guys

[@ericquezada3955]

🙏😎

[@donnaensman3089]

wonderful good news Praise The Lord God bless America yes God care of America . I am cried because I am so happy to heari wonderful news .

[@kulbirsingh2552]

I wanna join starbucks and deaf

[@diamondlil597]

☺

[@jacquelineithell307]

ONE WORD FROM A DEAF PERSON WONDERFUL ENOUGH SAID

[@DCShaneTours]

No CC. Face palm.

[@Jeanellemylove]

They should look at our hybrid cafe, easier for customers and barista alike #CafeAmazonforChance

[@jackr6041]

COVID probably just about closed this store.

[@thuglifeoutdoor1293]

Remember we all r Humans

[@natalieespinoza3517]

And free WiFi

[@samirnayak2076]

Hii

[@anandh.palladam2676]

Hi

[@anandh.palladam2676]

U all deaf work happy Friden ok me .P.Ananth

[@anandh.palladam2676]

You number pls me whatapps

[@hermione3muller674]

Also we blind and visually impaired audience have trouble following as not everything is voiced, either. I would appreciate more inclusivity in the media, too. Thank you.

[@Lilliecwalinski16]

I’m 1 of those. I’m not fully blind. But my vision isn’t the best either!!

[@darwinstevens810]

Some of the comments are really positive. And I understand there's se flaws in this news report however news report aside, there's not a lot of jobs that are disabilities friendly some say they are but they aren't. I plan to leave my current job as I express the struggle to do certain things because of my hearing but my managers have done absolutely nothing to help. Starbucks is the only play that heavily encourages those who are disabled to work. I'm not sure what the situation because a store calling police on two black males but I don't believe it represents all Starbucks stores. It makes the name look bad but at the same time there are other things at other stores that are trashy asf. Like Chick Fil La donates money to anti-LGBT groups that are trying to make it legal to deny a job, home, and adoption opportunities to those who are part of the LGBT community.

[@ryynsic]

Can't they make people that work at starbucks,mcdonald etc learn atleast basic sign language🤍

[@user-ti7ef6vs2k]

, 😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@tanvirdeaf6853]

Deaf video tv wow friends foods good love your

[@enricotan9620]

Mahbubur Rahman deaf t

[@Strangestthing1]

A middle finger is the only sign language I give Starbucks. Haven't been there in nearly 6 months. I'm never going back.

[@kelvinnext7432]

What they did to you ?

[@samgold9151]

Can you provide? A standard design Starbucks Shop. 100% Vegetarian or & Vegan Meals and Drink 80 New Starbucks Locations Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly in Okinawa City Japan in Japanese Language 40 New Starbucks Locations Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly in Kyoto Japan in Japanese Language 20 New Starbucks Locations Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly in Tokyo Japan in Japanese Language Total 140 New Starbucks Locations in Japan In Development on February 4, 2026 to need months Thank you

[@quiettornado1970]

don't believe it, I've applied for a job at starbucks 5x

[@o..g6038]

Wow...

[@whyyousmilingwhenyournexth4047]

👍🤘💩

[@illiterate.ink.]

👃🙊✌

[@mikejohnston9145]

what about brail ? us blind folks like coffee too .........just not star*ucks !!

[@twinkiesforEVERRRRR]

Lol u can talk tho

[@n.c.435]

@@twinkiesforEVERRRRR they can't read the menu tho

[@samgold9151]

Can you provide? New Flavor Waters Drinks Start with 24 to 38 Flavor Waters Drinks Every 6 months new 12 to 18 Flavor Waters Drinks Every 8 months next wave new 14 to 20 Flavor Waters Drinks May 29 2024 to provide Flavor Waters Drinks At Dutch Bros Starbucks Human Beans Teazer World Tea Market At Coffee Places At Tea Places

[@tracyrussell2823]

Is this going to also be the first store where white people can use sign language to call cops on black people

[@elizabethh776]

You disgust me.

[@Thee1111]

I was trying to figure out how that incident meshed with this story! I’m kinda confused 🤷🏾‍♀️ as well. So racially profile people in Starbucks and we will over look it entirely 😐 🥴

[@nghtwtchmn129]

CBS just had to work a racism angle into this.

[@floydndaisy]

You have to know ASL…isn’t that discrimination???

[@memyselfandi9325]

Starbucks Sucks!

[@yourefatandlazy]

they better allow normal citizens and talking , if not i wont support its inequality

[@theracer6882]

You have online ordering available already. This store is just woke behavior.

[@starymylo]

Starbucks: *gives deaf people the chance to actually order coffee in their own language like hearing people get to You: W- WOKE!? But what about ME!? How DARE inclusivity exist!! grow up.