Of Straws and Access — Kaylee Travels

“Isn't the ultimate goal to not have a person with a disability treated differently?” I had posted an article on Facebook written by a woman with disabilities which discussed how the straw bans that are becoming more popular around the country have had a negative effect on people with disabilities who may need a straw to drink beverages. Suddenly, comments were just flying in. The above sentiment stood out to me, because the answer is about much more than having straws available. The answer is yes, but also, no. If the access is equal for people with a variety of abilities, then everyone can be treated equally. But if the access is not equal, then a person with disabilities cannot be treated the same, as their abilities are different. Let’s start with a basic definition.

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a person with a disability as someone “who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.” In other words, people with disabilities are constantly running up against things that they cannot do. But why can’t they do these things? Disability, from a rehabilitation science perspective, means that the environmental demands are greater than the person’s physical capabilities. If the environmental demands are close to or equal to the ability of the person, they are less disabled. From this perspective, people with disabilities cannot participate in everything because the environment prevents this. An example of this would be a person with a wheelchair coming to a building with stairs but no ramp or elevator. Though some people who use a wheelchair for mobility would be able to manage the stairs without a problem, the majority of them would not be able to access the building. The access to the building is not equal; therefore, people with mobility impairments are treated differently.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g41508-d8489222-i143594370-Chilmark_Free_Public_Library-Chilmark_Martha_s_Vineyard_Massachusetts.html

With proper environmental supports, having a disability does not have to be disabling. In the late 1600s, a man named Jonathan Lambert immigrated from England to Martha’s Vineyard, to a town called Chilmark. He was deaf, and his children were deaf. As the generations went by, the population of deaf people in Chilmark became 1 in 25 people, as compared to 1 in 5,700 in the general United States population during those times. As a result of this, everyone in town knew sign language. If two hearing people were talking and a deaf person joined them, the conversation could easily and seamlessly transition from speech to sign language. People who were deaf in this town were not disabled because everyone could communicate. The town was set up to support their different abilities. (https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/marthas-vineyard-sign-language-asl/407191/)

So what is the solution for access for everyone, for environments that enable people of all abilities to participate? That is the question, isn’t it? It does not provide easy answers, because the rich tapestry of humanity always provides for an exception to each rule. The best answer I have seen thus far is universal design.

According to NC State University Center for Universal Design, universal design is “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.” They have outlined seven principles to consider when evaluating whether or not designs are for everyone. These principles are:

1) Equitable Use: People with a variety of abilities can use the product, without separation or stigmatization associated with the use of the product.

2) Flexibility in Use: The product is designed to be used by people with a wide range of abilities.

3) Simple and Intuitive Use: People with a variety of cognitive and skill levels can use or access the product without special training or abilities.

4) Perceptible Information: The design communicates the information necessary for its use in a variety of conditions and for users with a variety of physical and cognitive abilities.

5) Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes consequences of misuse or accidental use in the wrong way.

6) Low Physical Effort: Minimal physical exertion is needed to use or access the product.

7) Size and Space for Approach and Use: The area of access accommodates a variety of mobility devices, heights, and abilities.

Please take a look at the poster for more detail with each guideline. It is very helpful and clarifies the points better than I did: https://projects.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/pubs_p/docs/poster.pdf.

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codesrules/changestocode/curbramps/whatwhy/default.htm

The prime example of universal design is curb ramps in sidewalks. Let’s analyze them with the guidelines for universal design. People of all physical abilities can access the sidewalk or the street with curb ramps, including people in wheelchairs, people who use walkers or canes, people riding a bike or pushing a stroller, and people just walking (Equitable use, flexibility in use). The design of curb ramps communicates how to use them properly, and the texture of the concrete changes as one approaches the street to indicate where you are on the ramp (Simple and intuitive use, perceptible information). ADA guidelines for curb ramp dimensions require that they are at least 36 inches wide, which accommodates most wheelchairs. They have to have a ramp that is preferably no greater than one inch of rise per 12 inches of distance. And they require flared sides or return curbs on the sides of the ramp (perceptible information, tolerance for error, and size and space for approach and use). https://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap6toolkit.htm

For most of us, a ban on straws is a minor inconvenience until we get used to using the new lids or bringing our own. But for someone whose disability precludes drinking unless it is through a straw, not having one prevents them from accessing the goods and services a restaurant or coffee shop has to offer. Maybe one day, someone will make a universally designed beverage lid. But in the meantime, we should provide straws for those who truly need them, while making reusable straws and straw cleaning tools (basically a pipe cleaner) available and reasonably priced for all.