14 innovations that helped make the world a better place in 2018

People across the world may face a variety of challenges, but innovators, activists, and organizations worked together in 2018 to find impressive solutions.

In no particular order, here are 14 innovations that made the world a more inclusive, safe, and all-around better place this year. To learn about other ingenious innovations, check out this list from 2017.

1. Starbucks signing store in U.S. 

Starbucks opened its first U.S. store for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers in Washington, D.C. The cafe’s employees are proficient in American Sign Language and wear aprons with fingerspelling. The store also teaches non-ASL speakers fingerspelling through digital notepads and chalkboard messages. Starbucks’ first-ever “signing” store opened in Malaysia a few years ago, but the D.C. location introduces the concept to American consumers. It also draws attention to how many public spaces are not accessible to people with disabilities while simultaneously demonstrating how they can be reimagined to serve everyone Read more…

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