In the days before iPhones, internet and video chat, the Deaf Community was limited in ways to communicate long distance. Local Deaf Clubs served as a way for deaf people to gather and communicate in the way they were most comfortable, in person. Many thought of the gatherings as a way to preserve American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture, which have often needed protection.
As technology advanced, popularity of Deaf clubs dwindled and the new generation of deaf people began depending on technology for socialization. Without Deaf clubs supporting the social network of The Deaf Community, those deaf people still craved that face-to-face experience and searched for ways to recreate the cherished environment of the Deaf Clubs that they once enjoyed. This led to the creation of “Deaf Coffee Chats” all over the country. Coffee and a Barista are not required—the label is just a label. Bringing deaf people together to eat, chat, and socialize is the important thing.
But, even when they come together in a public restaurant or coffee house there is something that deaf people still cannot easily do: use the drive thru window. They are welcome to come inside and eat, socialize and spend money, but are denied the ease of making a quick run through the drive thru.
Inclusion Solutions, a company based in Evanston, IL, has created a solution for this problem. CEO Patrick Hughes, Jr. has come up with a button to be installed at the drive thru speaker for people to push in order to alert the staff that a customer is coming through the line that will not be ordering at the speaker and who will need to order using a pen and paper when they arrive at the window. The system is called OrderAssist.
With the installation of The OrderAssist System for drive thru windows in more than 50 Culver’s restaurants around the country (and the announcement that the system will now be introduced into every new Culver’s restaurant built), The Deaf Community can now recognize these efforts and take advantage of the accessibility provided. If we can encourage The Deaf Community to gather and socialize over a Butter Burger or some frozen custard in Culver’s restaurants around the country as well as use the OrderAssist System as often as possible, we will show the general population that we are grateful for this effort toward more complete inclusion. I look forward to the day that all drive thru windows are easier to use for the community as a whole, because it is not only deaf people that will benefit from this technology. Anyone with a hearing loss or communication barrier can benefit from this. Two great examples are the senior citizen population and those who speak a different language.
Feedback from deaf people has been very positive about adding this feature to the drive thru experience. Many have complained in the past of the struggle and added effort it takes to use drive thru windows in general, and some have shared stories of being turned away altogether. Is it fair to deny a person service because they cannot use the technology provided? Having the OrderAssist System will bring more deaf people through the drive through line and allow them to be served with the dignity and respect that they deserve. No more struggling, explaining, and being turned away.
In addition, there is a new program in effect called The OrderAssist Ambassador Program. The role of an OrderAssist Ambassador is to serve as a representative of the Deaf Community in the immediate territory surrounding their Culver’s location and to drive business to that restaurant by hosting events and engaging in social networking. Ambassadors will spread the word about Culver’s and its dedication to accessibility in an effort to encourage more people to use the system. By showing the need through frequency of use, we show the industry as a whole the importance of this addition to their drive thru window service. Hopefully the end result will be a network of Ambassadors around the country. An even better result would be to have all drive thru windows be accessible in the near future.
The Deaf Community is very well aware of this situation, but the hearing community may not be so educated on this topic. Using a drive thru window may be just the beginning. I would like to see so many other changes made within our communities to include every member of society in all daily activities (such as going to see a captioned movie at any time during the day). The more we talk about these issues, the more people will pay attention. We need to tell the hearing community and make them become aware of this barrier. If we all work together we can make our communities more accessible!
So how do we work together? If you’re deaf, attempt to use drive thru windows and make yourself known even if it takes a bit of a struggle with the staff at the window. Be positive, do it to make change not to make anyone angry or frustrated. The experience should speak for itself. Let them see that there is a problem, don’t just shy away from it and park your car and go inside to get what you need. Ask nicely for a more inclusive experience and educate restaurant owners about ways to make adjustments. If you’re hearing, talk about it! Ask restaurants how they handle deaf customers when they come to the drive thru window. Start the conversation! Be the change you want to see in the world. Talk about it with your family or at deaf coffee chats, and post about it using social media. Be proactive about inclusion and accessibility. The ADA is only the beginning. Let’s build on its momentum and make changes that will really improve our quality of life. What is something you have never been able to do if you are a deaf person? What changes would make it possible? Live your best life and carve our your own place in this world! Together we can make it happen!
