Spread the Word to End the Word

I know a lot of people use their blogs as a political outlet for spewing their beliefs in a matter of getting their points across. I never thought that this would be the way that we would use this blog, but I feel that this is one of those things that I can't help but write about. March 6th 2013 is the international day for the movement "Spread the Word to End the Word". The words in question are Retard or Retarded. Being involved in Special Olympics for 10+ years as a coach I have been able to see first hand the effect that this word has on people and the ignorance there is in the world surrounding it.

I can honestly say that I wasn't always one to help advocate for such a cause. In fact I was looking back through some old year books and noticed that in Junior High School (I believe grade 9) my favorite quote at the time was "Mental Retard". When I read this now I cringe and think about how uneducated I was. Of course some could argue that I was in Junior High and that I really didn't know better but that's no excuse. When I think about how many times I used that simple phrase when I was younger, I can only imagine the impact that it may have had on someone who was a little "different" then the rest of us. Did me saying those words lead to someone hating themselves? Did those 2 words have such an effect on someone that they stopped caring about anything and shunned themselves from the world? Even as I write this the thought of this possibility brings tears to my eyes as it was never my intention but it very well could have happened.

This brings me to today and all the ways I have heard these words being used... "That party was retarded" or "You are a retard" or just referring to everyday things that may be unbelievable or ridiculous as "retarded". Come on people we are all well educated, is there no word out there that we can use instead of the R-word in these situations? In fact I am pretty sure I just gave you 2. Words can be powerful things and with computers, social media and ever changing technology words such as "retard" or "retarded" seem to live a whole new life and meaning so why cant we seem to stop using a word that has so many negative connotations? We have done it with so many other words but this one seems to stay around.

Now I know what you are thinking "but what can I do?" Simple answer, stop using those words in your everyday conversation and bring attention to those that do use it and hopefully one by one people will stop using these words. Even if you are able to only change one person's perspective on using these words it will be a win because hopefully they can change one person as well... One of my most proudest moments came from my wife. About a year and a half ago she started a new job where these words were being used prolifically. Now most of her exposure to people with intellectual disabilities has been because of me so she really didn't have to stand up to it, but she did. She sent out an email to all her new co-workers and brought to their attention their use of these words. She got mixed responses but most positive and thanking her for saying something. It took a lot for her to reach out like this but that simple email has made a difference in her workplace.

I have seen the downside to this word but I have also seen what people with intellectual disabilities can do and the difference they make in peoples lives everyday. I would almost go as far to say that they changed my life. If I had never started volunteering with Special Olympics when I was 15, if I had never met some of those amazing people then I am sure I would be seeing the world in a whole different light. People often say that it must have felt good going and helping "those" people at Special Olympics and I would agree that yeah I loved helping all my friends and it felt good. But I didn't help them, they helped me. We're More Alike Than Different!

If you would like more information please go to www.r-word.org and if you feel so inclined take the pledge to end the Word.

I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

I've taken my pledge, will you?

Until Next Time!