Deaf Aotearoa is thrilled to announce a unique and inclusive coffee tasting event in collaboration with Starbucks, set to take place on May 6th at 12 PM across five locations in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

This event aims to unite Deaf and hearing communities in celebrating coffee, culture, and accessibility.

Together, we are breaking down barriers for the Deaf community, enabling them to participate in activities that are traditionally hosted for hearing audiences.

Starbucks will host coffee tasting events at five of their key locations, with Deaf Aotearoa supporting this with NZSL interpreters through their interpreter booking service iSign, ensuring that Deaf participants can fully engage and enjoy the experience.

This initiative highlights both organisations’ commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community.

Starbucks will also be taking donations from May 6 through May 11 at the till to allow Kiwis to also break down barriers for the Deaf community, with 100% of the donations from Starbucks fundraising efforts going directly to Deaf Aotearoa in support for the Deaf community.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday May 6, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM
• Locations:
  • Auckland (Starbucks Albany, Kakano and Papakura)
  • Wellington (Starbucks Lambton Quay)
  • Christchurch (Starbucks Cathedral Square)

Highlights:

• Free coffee tasting event open to the public, both hearing and Deaf
• NZSL interpreters available to promote inclusivity and highlight the use of NZSL in everyday spaces to hearing peers
• Opportunity for Deaf and hearing individuals to come together and connect over coffee
• Workplaces near the five locations are being encouraged to take their lunch break at their local Starbucks to participate in the event
• Deaf Aoteaora is inviting Kiwis to visit a nearby store on their way to work from 6 – 11 May to make a donation and contribute to the fundraising efforts

"We are excited to partner with Starbucks to create an inclusive event that welcomes everyone," said Lachlan Keating, CEO of Deaf Aotearoa.

"Partnering with businesses like Starbucks is crucial for Deaf Aotearoa as it helps us create more inclusive and accessible experiences for the Deaf community.

These collaborations not only raise awareness about the importance of accessibility but also demonstrate a commitment to breaking down barriers that Deaf individuals often face.”

All too often Deaf individuals face barriers in everyday life - ordering a coffee, getting a haircut or understanding a diagnosis from the doctor can be more complex for a Deaf person.

Making events more accessible, especially those typically targeted at the hearing community, is incredibly meaningful. It allows Deaf individuals to fully participate and enjoy activities that they might otherwise be excluded from.

Deaf Aotearoa is committed to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for Deaf people to be fully included.

“This coffee tasting event is a wonderful opportunity for the Deaf community to enjoy a shared experience with the hearing community, and we hope it encourages more events like this in the future.”

We spoke to Lara Draper, a local Deaf person, and asked her what having these events accessible meant to her,

“As a Deaf person, having coffee tasting events accessible in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is a fantastic step towards inclusivity. It not only makes the Deaf community visible, but also encourages everyone to learn and use sign language.

By making these coffee taster events accessible, it is promoting a culture where Deaf people can fully participate and feel valued. It's a reminder that inclusivity benefits everyone and that learning to sign can bridge communication gaps, making every day experiences richer for all.”

Everyone is encouraged to come along, support this inclusive initiative, enjoy Starbucks coffee, and maybe even learn a sign or two.

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