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Although the Starbucks store is the first-of-its-kind in the U.S., it follows the lead of another Starbucks Signing Store that opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2016.

Starbucks says that the effort was spearheaded by a team of Deaf Starbucks employees. The employees took a trip to Malaysia to see what groundwork needed to be laid to have a similar store in the U.S.

\"PHOTO:
Michael Thomas for Starbucks Coffee Company.
PHOTO: The interior of the Ferguson Starbucks location is seen here April 28, 2016 in Ferguson, Missouri.
>

The move was hailed by Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf. 

“Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating Deaf Culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society,” Rosenblum said.

The store will also offer ordering options for people who don’t sign.

\"PHOTO:
John Keeble/Getty Images, FILE
PHOTO: A general view of a Starbucks Coffee shop, Nov. 28, 2015.
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