Restaurant workers surprise hearing-impaired employee with sign language
Staff members at a fast food U.S. restaurant recently gave a hearing-impaired co-worker a very memorable birthday present, and it didn’t cost them a dime.
In a video posted to the Facebook page of Chick-fil-A location in Lawton, Okla., the entire staff of the restaurant can be seen using sign language to sing Happy Birthday to James, a much-loved employee.
“We had the best time learning to sign the ‘Happy Birthday’ song for our fellow team member who suffers from hearing loss,” the caption reads. “We love you, James, and we are so thankful that you are a part of our team! We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you!”
In the video, James can be seen smiling as the whole team sings and gestures through the classic birthday celebration song. Since being posted on Facebook last Thursday, the post has been shared more than 1,000 times.
This isn’t the first time Chick-fil-A has made an effort to communicate with a community member who has hearing loss. In March 2016, a young woman with multiple disabilities, including hearing impairment, was able to order food independently for the first time, thanks to a Chick-fil-A cashier who knew sign language.
