I feel scared when I think about the plastic straw ban. In a society that insists on equal rights for everyone, where are the equal rights for people with disabilities? Seattle, California and now parts of New York are banning plastic straws. It’s not enough just to ban plastic straws, but now California will actually throw someone in jail for breaking the ban!
I find it ironic that the Americans With Disabilities Act celebrated a birthday this month. The same month that our basic right to hydrate seems jeopardized. Several people who I know who have disabilities need to use a straw to drink. I need a straw to drink. By banning plastic straws is equivalent to saying, “you aren’t welcome here.”
Each day people who have disabilities fight to have the freedoms others take for granted. Places have steps to prohibit us from entering. People who do not need handicapped parking continuously park there no matter the law or fines. Often after using one, they’re the ones that get an attitude when asked to move their vehicle. For many of us, employment creates an unnecessary obstacle since stereotypes exist.
Discrimination happens daily but constantly ignored. Now instead of banning plastic bags or plastic utensils, businesses and states choose to ban straws. Straws are something we depend on constantly just to drink and live. Without hydration people can’t survive.
People asked me if alternatives to plastic straws would suffice. Not usually. Sure at home I can use reusable straws but I cannot be expected to remember to bring them with me. Paper straws fall apart too easy. Metal straws hurt the mouth and teeth.
Of course people with care about the environment. However, let’s not pick on something people with disabilities actually need to survive.
