Leif
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘I have autism and sometimes people may think I am strange, but this is just me.’
Leif told the Royal Commission the local pharmacist is discriminating against him because of his autism.
Leif has been going to the local chemist for a number of years. He has a stomach illness and needs to take prescription medication several times a day.
Prior to COVID-19, Leif was able to buy two boxes of medication each visit. However during COVID, the pharmacist would only supply one box at a time.
Leif found it difficult to get to the chemist so often and would run out of medication. Sometimes, he had to use non-prescription medication which didn’t work as well.
Leif spoke to his doctor who wrote a prescription for a three-month supply.
However the pharmacist refused to fill the prescription. Leif was upset and told the manager the pharmacist had no right to ‘limit his medication’. The manager explained a pharmacist could legally refuse to supply medication. Leif asked to see the relevant legislation and the manager promised to give him a copy the next time he was there.
When Leif returned a few days later, he noticed a new sign – ‘aggressive behaviour would not be tolerated’. He asked the manager if the sign was there because he’d asked to see the legislation. The manager admitted that it was. ‘I felt discriminated against,’ Leif said, and told the manager how he felt. The manager accused him of being abusive.
Leif couldn’t understand how his complaint could be labelled ‘abusive’. He asked to see a copy of the security footage so he could see ‘what exactly was offensive’. The manager told Leif to leave.
When Leif got home police arrived and served him with a trespass notice. He can’t visit the chemist or communicate with the staff.
‘The chemist could have talked this through without resorting to banning me.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.