Shannon, from Los Angeles has claimed that she was denied service at a Dunkin’ Donuts branch because she was deaf.
The woman posted an emotional video on her TikTok account(@shannon_heroux) to explain what happened.
A teary Shannon said in the clip: “A little while ago, I got refused service at a Dunkin Donuts because I’m deaf.
“I didn’t know how to process it. I was confused. I couldn’t hear anything.
“I wear a cochlear implant, but I was not wearing it at that time.
“I’ve never been refused service before, and it hurts. It hurts really bad.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is my favourite place to go.
“I called this girl over, told her I was deaf, I have to read her lips and she didn’t take her mask off.”
After that, Shannon explained she’s an Uber driver and she was in a rush to receive her order so that she could carry on with her job.
It was said that the member of staff then called a manager over.
Shannon added: “The manager comes over and I can just tell by his body language, he was going off and kept doing this (waving his hand across his face) and I kept saying ‘I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you, I need to lip read’.
“He refused to write anything down. He refused to pull his mask down. We’re six feet apart. There’s a plexiglass to the side. I’m wearing my mask. What more do you want from us?
“We struggle so much during this pandemic. Enough is enough.”
“People don’t believe I’m deaf, and I could sense and feel from him that he didn’t believe me.
“He didn’t believe I was deaf because I speak so well. It’s a blessing and a curse.”
Her video was posted on 13 Sep and it has gained millions of views and likes, comment from the fellow users.
@shannon_herouxI was refused service at a Dunkin Donuts because I’m deaf. I want to spread awareness on how this is not okay. Part one of the video. 💔
The company, however, responded to the claims and in a follow up-video posted on 23 Sep, Shannon shared that the manager ‘apologised’ for his actions along with Dunkin’ Donuts’ corporate office and franchise owner.
The woman also claimed she met with the owner to discuss some possible ways to prevent a similar incident happening again.
Both apparently came up with the solutions which are clear masks, keeping a whiteboard handy, having a laminated menu so deaf folks can circle their order and sensitivity training.
Source: Ladbible.com
