October 23, 2014
USBLN Member Starbucks: Discovering Strengths and Embracing Abilities – My Peaberry Story

By Jessica Rafuse, Starbucks Manager EO Initiatives

Jessica Raguse
Jessica Raguse, Starbucks — Manager EO Initiatives

A Peaberry is an agricultural defect in a coffee cherry. In 5 to 10 percent of all coffee cherries, only one, more rounded bean develops, rather than two beans side-by-side. The Peaberry was historically discarded by some coffee roasters. The Peaberry was even viewed as damaged, flawed and less valuable. However, today we know the Peaberry is more desirable because the round shape allows for more uniform and consistent roasting. Coffee Masters often prefer the Peaberry for its concentrated and unique flavors. When we rethink the Peaberry, we can fully appreciate these assets.

Like the Peaberry, people with disabilities have often been undervalued. The word “disability” suggests a defect or flaw. We all too often focus on the difficulties of physical and mental conditions. However, when we rethink disability, we can fully appreciate the unique assets that make these people a premium in the workplace.

Read the full story: http://news.starbucks.com/news/discovering-strengths-and-embracing-abilities-my-peaberry-story
Video: http://youtu.be/3WQPAzSQtIw


More from USBLN

July 10, 2018
Disability:IN reveals new research that says millennials want disability inclusion
[Download PDF version] [Read More]


July 10, 2018
USBLN – A Leading Nonprofit for Disability Inclusion – Rebrands to Disability:IN, Publishes Survey Data on Millennial Job Priorities
Survey shows millennial employees prioritize diversity and inclusion when selecting, remaining at jobs; yet only half believe their employer is committed to hiring, retaining people with disabilities. [Read More]


July 9, 2018
126 Major Businesses Rated “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion”
Fortune 1000 Corporations are recognized as a part of the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI) and honored as the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion”. [Read More]


May 14, 2018
5 Ways to Participate in Global Accessibility Awareness Day #GAAD
On May 17th, the USBLN will be celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD was established to create awareness and generate conversations about accessibility, specifically web accessibility, for people with disabilities.  [Read More]


May 10, 2018
USBLN Facilitates Over 8,000 New Hires with Disabilities Through Going for the Gold Program
Through the Going for the Gold (GFG) program, the USBLN is aiding 20 Fortune and Global 500 companies achieve the “gold standard” in hiring and fully including individuals with disabilities in their workforces.  [Read More]