Awareness Determines the Fate of Employment for People with Disabilities ~Starbucks Part 3~

Awareness Determines the Fate of Employment for People with Disabilities ~Starbucks Part 3~

Continuously on the Starbucks report, I had a chance to talk with Adam Novsam who is a Deaf Starbucks partner and works as a Business Analyst. I was impressed when he shared his perspective as a Deaf person in the Starbucks Access Alliance meeting. He shared his interesting background and career experiences before he joined Starbucks. There are lots of differences between Deaf and hearing culture. I also shared my previous experiences of working with Deaf colleague in Tokyo.

Reasons Why Starbucks Is Loved by Customers and Employees ~Starbucks Part 2~

Reasons Why Starbucks Is Loved by Customers and Employees ~Starbucks Part 2~

Continuously on the Starbucks report, I interviewed Ms. Marthalee Galeota who is a manager, Equal Opportunity Initiatives and is also a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter. Marthalee is like a professional “bridge.” She serves as an internal consultant sharing her subject matter expertise on new and existing initiatives, and also dedicates her efforts for Starbucks customers with disabilities by improving customer service and accessibilities at store.

Real Strength of People with Disabilities at Workplace ~Starbucks Part 1~

Real Strength of People with Disabilities at Workplace ~Starbucks Part 1~

I am always impressed by Starbucks’s high quality of customer service and very curious how Starbucks maintains the high quality of customer service at the numerous number of stores. In Seattle, I could visit Starbucks Headquarters twice! I have lots of stories to share with you. In part 1, I write about my great experience at the meeting of Access Alliance, one of Starbucks’s employee resource groups which promote inclusion and integrate accessibility. I found real strength of diversity and inclusion at Starbucks.

I Gave A Talk to Japanese Students in Seattle

I Gave A Talk to Japanese Students in Seattle

I had some precious experiences besides interviewing for my research in Seattle. One of them is to give a talk at “Meet the Professional” hosted by ICC Seattle Office, a study abroad agency. Meet the Professional is an event which a professional in various field gives a talk to Japanese students in Seattle area! What I talked was my disability, school life in Japan, findings in study abroad in U.S., experiences as an employee, and reasons why I research about employment for people with disabilities now. For one hour, I shared my experiences and how I changed my thoughts in my life.

Utilize “Difference” of Individuals to Create Big Positive Impact to the Society ~Microsoft Part 2~

Utilize “Difference” of Individuals to Create Big Positive Impact to the Society ~Microsoft Part 2~

Continuously on the Microsoft report, I found that Microsoft have implemented various kinds of systems, programs, and trainings to create equal opportunities and to promote inclusive work environment. I am curious how Microsoft creates a inclusive work environment and how they create great positive impact to the society.

How Does A Human Resource Agency Value People with Disabilities? Really? ~Part 2~

How Does A Human Resource Agency Value People with Disabilities? Really? ~Part 2~

In addition to human resource agency, more companies started new business based on employment for people with disabilities, for example consulting firm. They look like they are doing great business while supporting people with disabilities. However, some companies view people with disabilities with old bias and stereotype. How can these consulting firms and human resource agents utilize the talents of people with disabilities with such bias? What is a more appropriate and strong business mission for these companies?