Deaf man asked a pharmacy tech to write because he couldn’t read lips, but she ignored him and kept talking — then a stranger made her grab the paper
Differently abled individuals often struggle to get things done in public places because, unfortunately, the world isn't always designed with accessibility in mind for people with disabilities. When there is a chance for others to show compassion, some people instead choose entitlement. When a deaf person entered a pharmacy and requested that the technician write down the questions since he couldn't hear, the employee ignored him. However, a Reddit user who goes by u/Basilbabie gave her a fitting response that left her regretting her choice. On June 12, 2026, the woman revealed how her act of kindness left the man feeling grateful.
A woman was waiting at a pharmacy when she noticed a deaf man approach the front desk and inform the female technician to write down the questions on paper since he was unable to hear. However, the woman refused to look up and repeated her questions, asking for his name and date of birth. "He again explains he can't read lips well, guesses, and gives her his name. She says 'date of birth?' again, without even looking up," the woman noted. She immediately sprang out of her seat and called out the technician for refusing to accommodate the man's needs. She then asked him if he needed help using her Notes app. The worker realized her mistake and soon began communicating with him through writing.
Recalling the incident, the woman said she was astonished by the pharmacy employee's behavior. She also revealed that the man expressed his gratitude for her help. "It was so surreal to me. That man was such an amazing human; he was still so kind to her after all of that," she added. According to AccessiBe, the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is an important law that safeguards the rights of people in the country.
The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and also requires many public services and accommodations to be accessible. By refusing to provide a simple written accommodation to a man with a hearing impairment, the pharmacy employee may have violated the ADA. The Reddit user said she reported the employee to the manager following the incident and hoped action would be taken.
Soon after the post gained traction, many users praised her for standing up to the worker. u/Hopeful_Ad_7719 remarked, "That seems like a good way for the pharmacy to get an ADA violation citation." u/Puzzle-Peep wrote, "Sounds like the pharmacy tech needs to be reported to either the lead pharmacist or the certifying board or both. Maybe at least they can get some customer service training." u/abernothing added, "She would absolutely have continued along that trajectory if you hadn't stepped in."