In a groundbreaking move, KFC India has launched a sign language training program for all of its employees in honor of International Day of Sign Languages. This initiative makes KFC the first quick-service restaurant (QSR) in the country to implement such comprehensive training. All 17,000 employees across more than 1,200 restaurants in 240 cities will participate in this program, including staff at corporate offices.
The announcement was made at Select CityWalk in New Delhi and Ambience Mall in Gurugram, where KFC invited customers to learn how to sign over 30 popular food items, such as pizza, burgers, dosas, and KFC favorites like Hot & Crispy Chicken and Zinger.
Developed in consultation with a sign language expert, the online training consists of several modules tailored for beginners. The first module teaches the Indian Sign Language (ISL) alphabet, followed by modules on greetings and essential conversational phrases. This initiative is part of KFC India’s Kshamata program, which aims to empower individuals, particularly women and those with speech and hearing impairments. KFC plans to double the number of employees from the speech and hearing-impaired community by 2026.
As part of the #SpeakSign campaign, KFC has also introduced India’s first interactive sign language kiosk. This kiosk allows users to learn how to order their favorite food items using sign language, promoting inclusivity across the hospitality industry.
Moksh Chopra, General Manager of KFC India & Partner Countries, emphasized the initiative’s importance. “Our Kshamata program focuses on unlocking potential for the hearing-impaired community. This year, we are proud to announce that all our teams will be trained in basic Indian sign language, making our restaurants more inclusive. We aim to extend this movement beyond our organization to the entire hospitality sector.”
KFC’s franchise partners, Devyani International Limited (DIL) and Sapphire Foods India Limited (SFIL), have been instrumental in supporting the Kshamata program.
Pradeep Das, CEO of DIL, stated, “We are proud partners of KFC’s Kshamata initiative. Bridging the ability gap is vital for creating inclusive workplaces. The introduction of sign language training is a forward-thinking approach to foster an environment where speech and hearing-impaired individuals can interact confidently.”
Deepak Taluja, President & CEO of SFIL, added, “Creating a culture where everyone feels valued is essential for us. The rollout of sign language training for all employees is a significant step toward building truly inclusive environments.”
The interactive kiosks were available at Select CityWalk and Ambience Mall until September 21, 2024. On International Day of Sign Language, September 23, customers were encouraged to visit one of the 54 Special KFCs, staffed by speech and hearing-impaired employees, to learn and practice sign language. Special sign language menus and buckets were also created to assist customers in ordering their KFC favorites, alongside tutorial videos on KFC’s social media platforms.
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