The 4th Asian Paralympic Games in Hangzhou are currently underway, and Hangzhou is also welcoming friends from all over Asia with the fullest enthusiasm.
Recently, a reporter from Chaoxin News discovered that a coffee shop in Binjiang, Starbucks City Star, is supported by the mascot of the Asian Paralympic Games, "Feifei". Originally, this is one of the exhibition points for the disabled cause of the 4th Asian Paralympic Games in Hangzhou, with accessible passages and service desks providing thoughtful and warm coffee services for many disabled people.
It is understood that this is Starbucks' first sign language store in Hangzhou and the only Starbucks store selected as a showcase for the disabled at this Asian Paralympic Games. At present, there are 8 partners in the store, of which 6 are hearing impaired partners, many of whom have obtained Starbucks' Black Apron 'barista certification. The store manager Tang Weiya told reporters that some hearing impaired partners have been working at Starbucks sign language stores since 2020 and have now become "coffee teachers". They have successfully recommended their younger siblings to join Starbucks.
In Tang Weiya's view, Starbucks has created more platforms for communication and self expression for many hearing-impaired partners. For example, Xiaolin, who was born in the 2000s and just joined last year, enjoys communicating with people. However, he told me that many hearing-impaired people are often arranged in the kitchen when they work, which is also the reason why he joined Starbucks and chose to become a barista. Tang Weiya told reporters that Xiaolin has become a symbol of the atmosphere in Starbucks' sign language stores. "He always gains the love and trust of customers with his infectious smile and body language
In order to provide customers with an accessible ordering experience, Starbucks Sign Language stores have designed a new ordering system. The ordering desk is specially equipped with a handwritten tablet for communication, a handheld menu board, a double-sided display screen for ordering, and a vibrating food dispenser, paired with a unique dining number. At the same time, you can write the number on a paper menu or handwritten tablet to complete the order. Considering that it is not convenient for customers to go to the ordering table, baristas also carry a small mobile ordering system with them. When the beverage is ready, the food dispenser will vibrate to prompt customers to pick up the meal.
During the Asian Paralympic Games, Starbucks Sign Language stores meticulously set up sign language classroom teaching boards to introduce simple sign language knowledge related to sports and cities, such as "tennis", "football", "athletics", etc., establishing a communication bridge between customers and Starbucks partners. In the store, there are artworks that blend sign language elements and coffee culture, telling stories of sign language, coffee, and love.