Deaf Korean Starbucks Barista, It’s All In The Signs

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Deaf Korean Starbucks barista, it’s all in the signs. Although a Starbucks branch in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, was bustling with coffee lovers at around noon on Monday, employees worked in silence.



Most baristas at Starbucks franchises receive orders from the cashiers verbally, with shouts of machiatto, mochachino and latte echoing throughout the store.



But Hwang Jin, a 33-year-old Deaf barista, receives her orders via hand gestures. Employees give a thumbs-up to signal an Americano and make a “G” sign to confirm it’s a grande.



“When making foam with milk, those who are hearing-impaired rely on the sensation in their hand when frothing the milk instead of the sound,” barista instructor Sung Jeong-min said. “They are more sensitive to the vibrations of the milk steamer and produce a smoother taste in the coffee.”



Hwang, who lost her hearing after health complications as a 4-year-old, has worked at the Seoul National University of Education Starbucks branch since November 2011... Read more: http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2948981



Video by DEAFSQUARE

Deaf Produced BMW Commercial Gets National Attention

CHATTANOOGA, TN. - A locally produced BMW of Chattanooga commercial, which features a Deaf employee and highlights the dealer's dedication to customer service is receiving national recognition.



In the advertisement, which is the fourth in a series produced by Moss Media Labs local BMW employee Scott Carpenter, who oversees the detail department at the dealership, uses sign language to express the importance of getting a BMW serviced by a BMW-certified technician.



Carpenter has been Deaf since he was 9 years old, and he conveys the message with only a smile and shoulder shrug.



“Scott exemplifies everything great about BMW of Chattanooga," Daniel Bellemare, BMW of Chattanooga’s general manager, said in a prepared statement. "He is a long-term employee who is always willing to lead the way into change. He is always a problem solver instead of a problem creator. We love Scott and are so happy he is part of our team.”



Leaders said the commercial has drawn attention from BMW USA leaders and from the National Association of the Deaf.



The association's CEO, Howard A. Rosenblum, said he encourages other employers to follow BMW of Chattanooga's example in displaying the important contributions that Deaf people bring as employees... Read more http://www.nooga.com/157908/locally-produced-bmw-commercial-gets-national-attention/



Video by MMLabs

Restaurant Run & Staffed By Gaza Deaf People

GAZA CITY - Gaza Deaf restaurant aims to break down barriers. Waiters and cooks use sign language; organizers hope the effort will break down bias and barriers.



A restaurant run and staffed by Deaf people opened for business in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, helped by Palestinians seeking to build a more inclusive society where people with disabilities can realize their full potential.



The stylish Atfaluna restaurant near Gaza port stands out in a city with few facilities for the disabled. Waiters and cooks use sign language, guests point to selections from the menu and what ensues is a spontaneous form of communication that organizers hope will break down bias and barriers.



"Deaf people have determination and there are no worries except when it comes to communication, the language problem. At first we may get translators to help us with the speaking clients," supervisor Ayat Imtair told Reuters in sign language... Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/gaza-deaf-restaurant-aims-to-break-down-barriers-1.470835

West Haven Deaf Firefighter

Video in CC (english transcilbed) - Deaf, mute, but still able to fight fires.



WEST HAVEN, CT. (FOXCT) Deaf Firefighter Joe Brown is strong, eager and dedicated. Just the kind of guy the West Haven fire department looks for..., except he's lacking one thing vital to the job. But that isn't stopping him from joining the ranks.



Source: http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/70536942/News/West-Haven-Deaf-Firefighter-06-18



Video source by beauberman