Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – Friday, December 6, 2019 Disabilities commissioner says plastic straw ban denies quality of life By Tara Vocino C ity Councillors tabled an ordinance prohibiting single use disposal plastic straws, despite the Revere Commission on Disabilities’ opposition, during Monday’s City Council meeting at City Hall. It’s been estimated that plastic straws account for 2,000 tons of the more than nine million tons of ocean plastic waste. Commission on Disabilities Chair/ADA Coordinator Ralph DeCicco said he’s not debating plastic waste issue, but a plastic straw ban would eliminate access, quality of life and opportunities for some disabled people. “Just one time, try and put yourself in the place of a disabled person who doesn’t have the use of their hands; either put your hands behind your back or better yet leave them by your side, since that’s more realistic, and try to make your morning coffee, or glass of water,” DeCicco said. “Can you do it? This would be an everyday occurrence for a disabled person who depends on a reusable plastic straw.” DeCicco said that while people can bring straws to the restaurant, it’s about the disabled being treated equally. He said paper straws can be a choking hazard; metal straws aren’t bendable; and redesigned cups require the cup to be lifted, all of which present a challenge for certain disabilities. His solution is not to choose between making the world more accessible dine drink gather Friday, December 6 at 9 PM STOMPIN' MELVIN Saturday, December 7 at 8:30 PM The Exclusive Return Engagement of... JOHN CAFFERTY & THE BEAVER BROWN BAND Revere Disabilities Commission members Ricky Freni (left) and Chairman/ADA Ralph DeCicco. or sustainable, but rather creative thinking. “Restaurants can make plastic straws available upon request instead of offering them with every drink,” DeCicco said. “This would still dramatically reduce waste while ensuring that straws are available for those who need them.” Commission on Disabilities Vice Chair Ricky Freni, who has two children on the autistic spectrum, said some straws negatively affect children with sensory issues, and that paper straws don’t work well for them. “Do I have to tell my adult child to drink out of a sippy cup?” Freni asked. “It doesn’t make sense.” enjoy Friday, December 13 at 9 PM The Ultimate Party Band WILDFIRE Thursday, December 19 at 8 PM Full Scale Holiday Rock Orchestra TWELVE-TWENTY FOUR INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS Saturday, December 14 at 9 PM The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience KASHMIR Friday, December 27 at 9 PM Back by Popular Demand! VINYL GROOVE Tuesday, December 31 Rock in the New Year with the #1 AC/DC Tribute Band! Sunday, Dec. 15 10 AM-1:30 PM DIRTY DEEDS SANTA BRUNCH 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com
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