A Starbucks barista named Mia made a heartfelt gesture by learning American Sign Language (ASL) to better serve a regular customer, a deaf man named Jake, at her Leesburg, Virginia location. Jake frequently visits the café about three times a week, but during one of his recent visits, he was touched when Mia communicated with him using sign language.
Jake shared a picture on social media of a note Mia had written for him, stating, “I’ve been learning ASL just so you can have the same experience as everyone else.” His excitement was evident in his post, where he expressed his gratitude for Mia’s efforts. He mentioned, “Wow, I love this place! Mia wrote me a note and learned sign language for me. I was really surprised since I go to Starbucks regularly. She asked, ‘What do you want to drink?’ in sign language. I feel so blessed to have her here. I hope this inspires others to understand the importance of supporting the deaf community.”
Since Jake shared the note, his post has garnered over 3,900 shares. In the comments, he explained that he usually communicates with staff by typing messages on his phone. While Mia isn’t the first person he’s interacted with using ASL, she is one of the few who took the initiative to learn it just for him. “She mentioned that she looked up ASL on YouTube because many customers communicate through text. I was amazed at her willingness to learn, showing her respect for the deaf community. She’s truly an inspiration,” Jake told reporters.
Jake emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the hearing and deaf communities, noting that there are about one million people who are functionally deaf in the U.S., with one to two million fluent in ASL, according to a study by Gallaudet University. Since many people outside the deaf community do not know sign language, it often leaves deaf individuals relying on alternative communication methods.
Mia’s actions not only enhanced Jake’s experience but also created a more inclusive environment for other deaf customers in their community. Her thoughtful approach serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can significantly impact others’ lives. Hopefully, Mia’s story will inspire many to engage with and support individuals in their communities, including those who are hearing impaired.
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In summary, Mia’s commitment to learning ASL for Jake exemplifies how we can all strive to make our communities more inclusive and supportive of individuals with different needs.