Sign cafés
Sign Cafés are events organized to raise awareness among the hearing public about sign language and the culture of the Deaf people. They take place in public or private places, in cafes or restaurants, which are transformed into meeting spaces between deaf and hearing people. It is an ephemeral concept that is open to all.
During the event, the members of the deaf community play the role of waiters, answer your questions and help you to order in sign language. The sign cafés are entirely designed around the theme of exchange and communication, notably through sign language.
In a relaxed and fun atmosphere, you can learn several words in sign language and have meaningful engagement with those who are deaf. The objective of a sign café is to learn a different way to communicate with another, immersed in a usual setting under unusual conditions.
This initiative aims to support and to promote the deaf community inviting interested people to discover their language and culture.
Around the world, it is estimated that there are nearly 200 different sign languages. Questions remain on who was the inventor or what was the precursor of sign language. Its origin is complex although the first identified written traces of sign language date back to antiquity.
In Spain in the 16th century, the first educators specifically for the Deaf people were documented. In 1756, the French priest Charles-Michel de l’Épée created the first real school for the Deaf people. Institutionalized sign language revolutionized deaf education and allowed the deaf to communicate and express themselves in a rich and meaningful way.
Vroom restaurant
The Vroom restaurant opened its doors in Geneva in March, in the Plainpalais neighborhood. It is one of the few restaurants of its kind in Europe that carries out its operations in sign language. It is an establishment with a unique concept, aiming to promote diversity and equality, with the staff being constituted of Deaf and hearing people.
Every aspect of the restaurant including its architecture is set up to consider and integrate the Deaf people.
For example, the use of round tables promote eye contact, arches and a rounded bar allow for a wide expanded view across the space, and shelves contain video screens that help patrons learn about the Deaf people and sign language.
In addition to a culinary experience, Vroom is a beautiful opportunity for a visual and gestural experience since sign language is used to order food and drinks, allowing one to discover and immerse oneself in the world of deafness.