Good point that building for accessibility is often much cheaper than retrofitting for it!
For every plastic straw alternative, I’ve read a harrowing explanation of why it’s awful for some particular kind of person. eg, this article
But paper straws and similar biodegradable options often fall apart too quickly or are easy for people with limited jaw control to bite through. Silicone straws are often not flexible — one of the most important features for people with mobility challenges. Reusable straws need to be washed, which not all people with disabilities can do easily. And metal straws, which conduct heat and cold in addition to being hard and inflexible, can pose a safety risk.
It’s worth coming up with piecemeal solutions to each of these problems. But I think for this and many other cases we still need a universal fallback of, “if someone says they need [specific low-cost accommodation] in order to function normally, let them have it and don’t give them shit about it.”
I couldn’t bite through a plastic straw if I tried. I’d have to gnaw on it for quite a while. I don’t think this is a crux or anything but if you are able to bite through a plastic straw, and the straws you get are the same as the ones I’m used to, then I’m impressed.
Good point that building for accessibility is often much cheaper than retrofitting for it!
For every plastic straw alternative, I’ve read a harrowing explanation of why it’s awful for some particular kind of person. eg, this article
It’s worth coming up with piecemeal solutions to each of these problems. But I think for this and many other cases we still need a universal fallback of, “if someone says they need [specific low-cost accommodation] in order to function normally, let them have it and don’t give them shit about it.”
I find it difficult to imagine a person who will bite through the paper straw but wouldn’t bite through the thin plastic straw.
I couldn’t bite through a plastic straw if I tried. I’d have to gnaw on it for quite a while. I don’t think this is a crux or anything but if you are able to bite through a plastic straw, and the straws you get are the same as the ones I’m used to, then I’m impressed.