In a heartwarming move, a barista at a Starbucks in Leesburg, Virginia, took it upon herself to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to better communicate with a regular deaf customer. Meet Jake Thompson, a frequent visitor who drops by the coffee shop at least three times a week. During his latest visit, he was pleasantly surprised when the barista revealed her special effort to connect with him.
Jake shared on Facebook a lovely note he received from the barista, which read, “I’ve been learning ASL just so you can have the same experience as everyone else.” In his post, the 23-year-old expressed his astonishment at her dedication, saying, “I love this place! The barista wrote to me in sign language, asking what I wanted to drink. I’m so blessed to have someone who cares. It’s important for hearing people to understand the deaf community. Please share this!”
Since Jake posted the note, it went viral, being shared over 3,900 times. He usually chats with staff by texting on his phone, and while this barista isn’t the first to sign with him, she’s among the few who’ve learned ASL just for him. “She told me she looked on YouTube since many customers use text. I was really surprised by her willingness to learn; it shows she respects deaf people,” he told ABC News.
Jake wants to highlight the importance of bridging the gap between the hearing and deaf communities. According to a study from Gallaudet University, there are around one million people in the U.S. who are functionally deaf, and one to two million who are fluent in ASL, making it clear that most people outside the deaf community don’t know sign language. Although technology has improved communication, it’s crucial for more people to learn these valuable skills.
This barista’s thoughtful gesture not only enhanced Jake’s experience but also set a positive example for others in the community who may be deaf or hard of hearing. Her actions serve as a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can significantly impact someone’s life. Hopefully, her selfless initiative will inspire others to make similar efforts in their own communities.
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In summary, a barista learned ASL to connect with a deaf customer, which led to a viral post celebrating kindness and communication between different communities. Her actions remind us of the power of small gestures in making a difference.