Starbucks is making strides toward inclusivity at their restaurant locations globally and the chain announced even more goals in that realm for the coming year. Starting today, customers will have access to a third party app that will connect individuals who are blind or visually impaired with highly trained agents who will help them access visual information like menus.
The service is called Aira and will be available for free at all United States company operated and licensed stores. Aira is a popular app for people who are blind or visually impaired and will help customers who need it order more easily when visiting Starbucks stores in person. Additionally, rolling out this upcoming summer, Starbucks locations across the United States and Canada will offer large print and Braille menus that will be developed in partnership with the National Braille Press. The Starbucks app and menu available on their website will have also been adjusted to be better accessible for individuals with disabilities
These changes are the latest made by Starbucks to make their restaurants and online resources more inclusive for people of all abilities. Last year, Starbucks worked to better integrate inclusivity in the physical design of their stores. Starbucks has also opened nine signing stores globally that offer employment opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people as well as serving a prominent community of individuals too. One of the signing stores is located in Washington, D.C.
You can learn more about Starbucks' timeline of equity and inclusion on their website here.
