Spread The Word To End The Word

If you didn't know, today marks the start of an awareness and kickoff to stop saying the R word. According to the Special Olympics (who is heading this up) "You may not realize how damaging the R word can be. But when you use slang terms like "retard" and "retarded" you are marginalizing and insulting millions of people with Intellecutal Disabilities, their families and their friends. So, now you know and now you can do something about it. Take the pledge and put and end to the R Word."

Although, it once may have been acceptable it is not any longer. I know it was used a lot with my generation as kids and I am still guilty of using it out of pure habit. Most people use it not even meaning it to be offensive, for example: saying something is retarded because you don't like it. However, to those who are disabled and their families it is hurtful whenever the term is used. I think we need to realize it is a delicate word and stop using it. When referring to someone who is disabled apparently the approriate term is now "Intellectually Disabled" but, in researching some of the following are acceptable as well: mentally disabled, devolopmentally disabled, developmentally delayed, developmentally impaired, developmentally challenged, physically impaired/challenged, mentally impaired/challenged etc.

I am going to try to be more concious of things I say because this isn't the only word we need to rid ourselves of saying. Try to help everyone out and if you hear someone saying "the R word" politely correct them - myself included. It will probably take some time but we can do it!!

You can also go to http://r-word.org/ to sign their pledge and be heard!

I am starting with the blog to do my part to spread the word and I encourage the rest of you to

SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD!