Breaking Barriers

Embarrassment of people staring.

I must bring my own food and my friends feel uncomfortable with them eating the restaurant food and I am not.

I find that people often feel uncomfortable eating with me.

Having to blend food.

These are a few of free-type/ “other” responses in detail when asked to describe barriers or concerns related to social dining. Think of the convenience of surprising a friend with a Chik-fil-a meal for a quick lunch date, or the roars of laughter at a Sunday brunch. These are not just occurrences, these are experiences; experiences many will miss. Why?

21.91% cited lack of safe food choices as the main barrier. Coughing in public? People without a dysphagia diagnosis do it on the regular (slow down on that Olive Garden breadstick)! Let’s normalize diverse dining needs. The lack of flavorful yet safe textures for people with dysphagia is a reality I refuse to accept. I will continue to advocate for dysphagia friendly foods to be featured at restaurants by seeking corporate partners and spread awareness like glitter.

Do you have dysphagia? Have you dined out with someone with dysphagia? If so, please log-in and a drop a comment. Let’s break these barriers!