R is for Remarkable—Nothing Less

I was watching a hair tutorial on YouTube the other day when the girl in the video said, "My hair looks really retarded now, but it'll get better." I immediately turned it off.

I hear it several times a week, and it makes me cringe each time.

"You're such a retard."

"That's so retarded."

It can go on and on and on. Most of us have done it—used the "R-word" in a derogatory way to describe something or someone—and I won't say I am any different. I never meant any ill will toward anyone when I did it—in fact, I went to school with several people who had mental disabilities, and I always treated them with respect—but I was ignorant.

Six years ago, my little cousin Amalia was born. Amalia has Down syndrome.

Until then, I never really thought about how hurtful the R-word could be to anyone. I've asked people in my inner circle to refrain from using the word in front of me. I think about Amalia growing up and having to hear people use a word that literally describes her diagnosis for things they consider to be "stupid," "dumb," "weird," "strange," etc.

My baby girl is far from those things.

Amalia is a bright little kindergartener who enjoys play dates with her cousins, taking pictures, giving hugs and kisses, playing with Play-Doh, talking on the phone and going to Eat'n Park for smiley face cookies.

She dances, sings, knows English and Spanish (some Greek), and loves to get manicures.

While Amalia struggles with some daily tasks, it doesn't mean she and others who have disabilities should be treated differently than anyone else.

That's why I am encouraging you all to take the "Spread the Word to End the Word" pledge today. "Spread the Word to End the Word" is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and other supporters to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the words “retard” and "retarded."

The pledge reads:

"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."

Help create awareness about this effort and encourage others to take the pledge, as well! We can make a difference one person at a time.

For more information or to take the pledge, visit www.r-word.org or see the effort's Facebook page.

–––––––––––––––

Like Plum-Oakmont Patch on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.