A prominent Fernie woman with a severe physical disability has spoken of her shock at being refused a drinking straw at a local restaurant.
It comes as a growing number of Elk Valley businesses limit their use of plastic straws amid a global movement to eliminate them from the environment.
鈥淲hen I asked for a straw, I was simply told 鈥榳e don鈥檛 give out straws anymore鈥�,鈥� said Grace Brulotte.
鈥淭here was no offer of an alternative solution, such as a paper straw, they just wouldn鈥檛 give me one period.
鈥淚 was quite shocked by this because I have never been denied a straw before in any of my dining experiences.
鈥淎fter the no-straw movement started gaining traction, I was often given a paper straw instead of a plastic one, which is an appropriate alternative in my opinion.鈥�
Brulotte is confined to a wheelchair after being born with a rare neuromuscular disorder called arthrogryposis, as well as scoliosis, a spinal condition.
Because of her disability and physical limitations, the 22-year-old is unable to pick up and hold a cup, so requires a straw to drink unassisted.
鈥淚 choose to use a straw because it gives me a little more independence, instead of needing someone to hold my cup and help me drink,鈥� she said.
鈥淭his little step forward in my independence is huge for me. Being able to do things for myself without needing help just attributes to me feeling 鈥榣ike everyone else鈥�.鈥�
| Grace Brulotte requires a straw to drink unassisted. Photo supplied |
Brulotte is a well-known 鈥渁bility activist鈥� and has spearheaded many initiatives for people with disabilities, including the Fernie Inspire the Race to Empower (FIRE) adaptive ski program.
She is not the first to be disadvantaged by the anti-straw movement, with a similar incident involving another woman with arthrogryposis reported in Toronto earlier this year.
Brulotte did not wish to publicly name the restaurant but hoped to raise awareness among the business community.
鈥淚f a restaurant wants to participate in this movement, that鈥檚 their prerogative,鈥� she said.
鈥淗owever, making sure certain groups of people aren鈥檛 affected, such as the adaptive community, should just be common courtesy.鈥�
Brulotte said participating restaurants could ensure they were still being inclusive by offering alternatives, such as paper straws.
鈥淪omething that has become more popular is stainless steel or glass straws, which, if properly sterilized, could be reused by restaurants for customers who need them. Or simply having straws available only for people who specifically ask for them,鈥� she said.
鈥淩egardless of how they do it, restaurants should always have an alternative solution if they choose to participate in any movement.
鈥淩emoving a service completely, even if it鈥檚 meant benevolently, can have a negative impact that they may not even be aware of. If restaurants strive to be inclusive it creates a better experience for everyone.鈥�
Fernie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Patty Vadnais said it was unclear how many restaurants and cafes had banned plastic straws as the movement was growing organically.
She encouraged all businesses to be inclusive and environmentally-minded.
鈥淚t is exciting to see the uptake of businesses reducing their plastic use,鈥� she said.
鈥淚 anticipate businesses will quickly find environmentally responsible options, like A&W鈥檚 compostable straws, to meet customer鈥檚 needs.鈥�
