Meet Lily, a spirited little girl who loves her dogs, enjoys lip-syncing to her favorite songs, and dives off the diving board with glee. She loves summer trips to the beach, fishing, and spending quality time with her mom, who describes her as “the most charming, intelligent, and lively child.” However, Lily faces a unique challenge: she can only drink using plastic straws.
Lily has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which is the most severe type of CP. As her mother, Sarah Green, explains, “Lily is nonverbal and relies on an eye-tracking device to communicate. She requires constant care and won’t be able to walk or crawl independently.” Despite the difficulties, they feel fortunate that Lily can still use plastic straws, unlike many with quadriplegia who need g-tubes for hydration, leading to various health complications.
So why plastic straws? Sarah shares with us, “Lily has to bite down for a proper grip, and we’ve tried every other option available… hard plastic is too rigid, soft plastic or silicone is easily damaged, and metal can harm her teeth.”
Similarly, Mia, another child with similar needs, faces the same struggles. Her mother, Jessica, explains, “Mia is a typical 7-year-old with an infectious smile. She loves going to the park and Disneyland, but she too relies on plastic straws for her drinks.” Like Lily, Mia can’t use alternatives: metal straws risk dental injuries, paper straws crumble, and silicone doesn’t provide the right suction.
The movement to ban plastic straws is gaining momentum, with companies like Starbucks pledging to eliminate them, citing environmental concerns. Cities such as Seattle and Malibu have followed suit, banning plastic straws in a bid to address ocean pollution. Advocates argue that this small step can lead to broader environmental initiatives.
Yet, the suggestion to simply bring your own straws is impractical for families with special needs. Sarah notes that she already has to manage a wheelchair, diapers, wipes, and a communication device when going out, all while trying to remember to pack straws. Jessica echoes these sentiments, stating that carrying additional items becomes overwhelming.
Moreover, research shows that many alternatives to plastic straws are ineffective, especially for hot beverages. Interestingly, plastic straws were originally designed as adaptive tools for individuals with disabilities, which raises questions about the rationale behind their ban in favor of environmentalism.
The truth is, banning plastic straws doesn’t address the larger issue of plastic pollution. Experts argue that focusing on recycling and holding corporations accountable for single-use plastics is a more effective approach. An opt-in policy for plastic straws could ensure that those who truly need them, like Lily and Mia, can access them without hassle.
Lily and Mia should have the same opportunities as anyone else, including their choice of drinking straws. As Jessica points out, it’s exhausting fighting for recognition for their children’s needs. The ongoing struggle for accessibility, whether it’s finding appropriate parking or providing necessary care in public spaces, is already a challenge without adding the burden of a straw ban.
Instead of joining the #stopsucking movement, let’s advocate for an opt-in policy that accommodates individuals with disabilities. Banning plastic straws might be an easy solution for some, but it ultimately overlooks the needs of those who rely on them.
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In summary, the push to ban plastic straws, while well-intentioned, can have serious repercussions for individuals with disabilities. Their needs must be acknowledged, and solutions should be inclusive rather than exclusionary.
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