Amazon rolls out video stations to teach employees sign language

Amazon has undertaken an initiative to make its workplaces more accessible and inclusive for its employees who are deaf and hard of hearing.

The company has installed sign language video stations in its operations centers in North America and Europe. The screens show a rotating series of videos about sign language topics and words. The video content is designed to help employees learn the basics of sign language for their region and improve communication with their colleagues who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Since the project was launched a year ago, the video stations have been installed at more than 200 sites across eight different countries, including Canada, France, Poland, Spain, U.S., U.K., with additional countries to follow. Employees have reported they are picking up sign language and are starting to better understand the experience of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.

“It gives visibility to our colleagues who are deaf and hard of hearing while giving everyone the opportunity to learn sign language,” said Josh Smith, project creator and learning business partner for North American Sort Centers. “Walking through an Amazon site and seeing employees learn and communicate with the Deaf community is very exciting and provides an all-around better work experience for everyone.”

Amazon said its commitment to inclusion and our deaf and hard-of-hearing employees continues day to day through meaningful engagement using sign language interpreters and assistive technology.

“Our Disability Leave Services and People Accessibility teams work on equitable solutions for employees with disabilities across Amazon,” the company said.

Throughout the month of October, Amazon has observed National Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the vital role people with disabilities play in its global workforce and reiterate our commitment to accessibility.