Speaking Through Action
Cintas thrives because of the incredible talents and abilities of its employee-partners. In Greenville, South Carolina, these talents and abilities are on full display through five deaf employee-partners who have been integral to the success of the two locations. From folding and sorting to heat sealing, they bring expertise, dedication, and personality to every task, reflecting Cintas’ belief that accessibility for all creates stronger workplaces and empowers everyone to thrive.
“These employee-partners are some of the best people to work with, and we are so proud to have them as a part of our team,” said Corey, Operations Manager of the Cleanroom facility in Greenville. “We’re excited to highlight what we do, how they fit in and how they make us better.”
A key element of these locations' success and strong culture is not just the tools and accommodations provided for deaf employee-partners, but the genuine commitment from hearing employee-partners to communicate better and establish an environment where anyone can succeed.
“Honestly, it wasn't hard to communicate with our deaf employee-partners when I first started,” said Corey. “The deaf employee-partners we have here are very motivated and have been here for years before I joined. The location has done a great job of creating an inclusive environment, where a hearing person and a deaf person can communicate through different means and quickly form a relationship. And when you get to spend more time with them, you build on that relationship, really get to know them, and they get to know you.”
Deaf employee-partners, like Laquitia, back that statement, saying it’s a driving factor in their confidence.
“Feeling included and being part of a team is something that's so valuable and really important to me,” said Laquitia, one of the deaf employee-partners at the Greenville location. “It’s so important to have a supportive environment, and I want everyone to know you gain confidence here. I’ve been here for five years, and the inclusion and confidence I have received here have been wonderful for me.”
Over the years, many employee-partners have taken it upon themselves to learn some American Sign Language (ASL), strengthening connections and teamwork. To help, the locations have made it easier for employee-partners to communicate and be supported by placing ASL signs in different areas of the building, including the alphabet in ASL and simple phrases, to help hearing employee-partners communicate more effectively.
Another example of tools put in place to support deaf employee-partners is the use of VRI, or video remote interpreting.
VRI helps connect the employee-partner with an ASL interpreter through real-time video on a phone or tablet, allowing them to communicate and translate for the deaf employee-partners. The managers use VRI during meetings or one-on-one conversations with the deaf employee-partners, and it is a great resource when an interpreter is not available in person.
While technology like VRI makes communication easier, these tools aren’t always available in every situation. In those moments, the relationships you’ve built become essential for understanding what an employee-partner is trying to communicate. Corey emphasizes that taking initiative, whether it’s learning a few signs or simply being open to new approaches, can make a lasting difference.
“I think it all really boils down to communication and just being open to trying new things,” said Corey. “You might embarrass yourself trying to sign in ASL, but it's all about just giving it a shot and making it a habit. It goes a long way, and you'd be amazed at how quickly things change and how quickly you see the employee-partners around you, whether it's managers or frontline employee-partners, take that same approach and really engage and want to see it.”
This type of effort and care is why Cintas refers to its employees as partners. Being an employee-partner means more than just sharing the workload; it means showing up for one another with empathy, respect and a willingness to grow together. The Greenville locations embody this every day by embracing the spirit of inclusion, not only through accommodation but through genuine efforts to connect.
“I love that I get to work with other deaf associates. We understand each other really well and can rely on each other,” said Laquitia. “I hope we hire more deaf employee-partners and grow that here at Cintas. If they’re interested, the door is open for them. Come on in and give it a try, it’s all ready for you.”