Ordered a coffee recently?

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Our campaign to make coffee shops more inclusive for people who stammer.

"I was ordering my usual from my local café: an oat milk latte. 'Oat' can be a tricky word for me and this time, I struggled with it. The staff member snorted with laughter until I finally managed to say the word."

One topic keeps coming up: the difficulties people who stammer face when simply ordering a hot drink — because of how people respond to them.

Here at STAMMA, we are in conversation with two major high street coffee shop brands about the changes they can make to ensure their outlets are inclusive — not only for those who stammer, but for everyone with communication differences.

Our Research 

"Why do you have to give your name in Starbucks? Why can't it be a memorable word?! For me to say my name is something I always trip up over. If I use a different name the people I am with think I've gone mad! If my children are with me they say "that's not your name!"" 

Over 1,500 STAMMA members and supporters told us about their experiences; we've heard about the pervasive humiliation faced by many of you as you are mimicked, rushed and ignored when trying to place an order.  

We found that:

• 58% of people who stammer don't order what they want; 90% said their stammer was the reason for this, ie ordering something easier to say to avoid being humiliated in front of a queue. 
• 83% find it difficult to say their name on demand. Despite this, Starbucks insist on this practice. 

Be part of the change 

Using what you've told us, we've created the guide 'Stammering & Coffee Shops, which you can open here' or download below, with recommendations for change. Feel free to send the link to your local café or coffee shop.

If you've faced discrimination when buying a coffee — if you've been laughed at, mimicked or ridiculed, we'd love to help. Share your stories with us and we'll be on it like a rash!

Your stories will help us create a culture where customer-facing businesses consider stammering as naturally as checking for wheelchair access.

Read more about 'Space to Stammer', our strategy to create a culture of consideration for people who stammer.