Spread the Word to END the Word Day

Today is Spread the Word to END the Word Day.  In 2008, Special Olympics launched the www.r-word.org website to combat the inappropriate use of the R-word.  

Many people think it is OK to use the word retard or retarded if they are not referring to an individual with a disability.  I admit, that before Ben came along, I said it about myself on occasion, when ever I did something stupid. Since I did not have a personal connection with anyone who had a disability, I did not realize how hurtful this word was.  

But the word does hurt.  It hurts a lot!  When you say the word in a derogatory way, it puts down people with disabilities, whether you are referring to them or not.   It says you don't want to be like them.  It makes them less.

Most people, when confronted (or educated), apologize right away and really try not say the word again.  But believe me, speaking up in person, is not an easy task.  There are times I have let it go because I did not think it would be worth the fight, and times that I turned on my Mama bear and took the lesson way to far.  It is much easier to sit behind my computer and type this than it is to confront someone face to face.  But I am committed to being an advocate for Ben, and because of that, I have to speak up.  

But there are some who when confronted, start talking about the right to free speech, about how every group wants certain words banned, and how we should not be so sensitive.   Do you have a right to say that word?  Sure.  You have every right to be a jerk and put down other people. People with disabilities are an easy target because they are less likely to defend themselves.  But individuals with disabilities have feelings, and are hurt by word as much if not more than everyone else. Families have feelings

If you are still confused.  Here is handy flow chart.  

There is an easy solution.  Don't be a jerk.  Don't say things that put others down.  Make them feel like more, not less. Be someone who helps people up. Be respectful.  Advocate for those with special needs when you hear someone say the word and ask them to stop.  Take the pledge http://www.r-word.org/  

Finally, if you still need convincing, this sheet from KC Down Syndrome Guild sums it up nicely. Click to make larger.

Spread the Word to End the Word!

Today is Spread the Word to End the Word Day.  To help celebrate and spread the word I made a power point presentation and presented it to the 4, 5 and 6th grade classes at school.  I ordered a new shirt for the occasion, and everything went pretty well.  The kids in our school are really great. They are so helpful where Ben is concerned and I have never heard any of the kids use the "r-word". In fact, when I asked what they should do if they hear the r-word, tons of hands went in the air and they all had great ideas about different things they could say.

 My new Respect Shirt

 One Library full of kids.

 

One pledge banner full of signatures.  

I am so proud of our school!

Will You Pledge?

Today is the 5th annual Spread the Word to End the Word Day.  I have often struggled to find the right words to describe why using the  R-word is wrong, when others argue that they are using the slang version of the word and would never use it to describe Ben.
Today I took a quiz posted today by Ellen at Love that Max  and it does such a great job of explaining why using the R-word is wrong in all situations, that I wanted to share it with all of you.  Please take the quiz and let me know if you still think it is OK to use the R-word.  And if you don't think it is OK, go to http://www.r-word.org/Pledge.aspx and take the pledge.
 

March is a Time to Celebrate!

March is a month to celebrate at our house. One of the most important dates we celebrate is Ben's Birthday. It is hard to believe that Ben is going to be 4 years old on March 20th. We really appreciate all the love and support that our local communities have given to our family.

When we first got Ben’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, we were worried about him being accepted and having friends. Those fears were soon put to rest as we attended community events. He is welcomed with smiles, high fives or waves wherever we go and Ben is usually more than happy to return the gesture. While we have been blessed with such great community support, not everyone is so lucky.

We would like to invite everyone to help us celebrate Ben’s Birthday by standing up for all individuals with intellectual disabilities. Wednesday March 7, 2012 is an important day that has been designated by the Special Olympics organization as Spread the Word to End the Word Day.

Spread the Word to End the Word is an on-going effort to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)" and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word. The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support at  http://r-word.org/ and to promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We’re asking every person - young and old - to help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word–a common taunt used to make fun of others. Often unwittingly, the word is used to denote behavior that is clumsy, hapless, and even hopeless. But whether intentional or not, the word conjures up a painful stereotype of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It hurts. Even if you don’t mean it that way.  If you pledge to Spread the Word to End the word in honor of Ben, please leave a comment at the end of this post.

 World Down Syndrome Day
Another important event this month is World Down Syndrome Day.   The date was selected by Down Syndrome International (DSI) to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome. 

21 March 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and for the first time in 2012 this day will be officially observed by the United Nations.  The voice of those with Down syndrome, and those who love them is getting louder.  Can you hear us? 



 Thank you for your continued support, and for helping us to celebrate during this exciting month of March!