Condensed Release From the Office of Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini--
Wednesday (March 3) is National “Spread the Word to End the Word” Awareness Day, offering us a rich opportunity to focus on using respectful language for persons with intellectual disabilities by eliminating the “R-word.”
Our efforts were bolstered recently when an American Psychiatric Association review panel unveiled proposed revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an influential guidebook in the mental health field. One recommended change favored by the panel is particularly overdue: eliminating all variations of the word "retarded" and replacing them with respectful language referencing persons with intellectual disabilities...
To find out how you can help promote respectful language, visit http://www.r-word.org/. More than 70,000 persons have visited the site and pledged to support eliminating the R-word in their everyday speech.
24 comments:
National Spread the word to end the word day is a great initiative taken to change the specific language and terms used to describe individuals with physical disabilities and mental disabilities as well. It is very enlightening and refreshing to know that this will also change the attitudes of people who currently use the term retard to refer to any individual with a disability. Although this is a great idea I also have to admit that I feel that most people who currently use that term will not change their language because it has been ingrained in society for a long time. I also feel that the change is a great idea with respect to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Hopefully, clinicians and Psychologists can also adapt to the proper terminology used for persons with intellectual disabilities and everyone can be on an even queue when referring to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Amy G.
This is such a positive way to bring awareness and education to the world about the realities of how powerful and hurtful words can be. I am sure that in one form or another we have all taken for granted the use of our language and the impact it has on others. I know I am guilty of using some words that may be offensive and there is no excuse. It basically comes down to truly understanding another person's feeling and placing yourself in someone else's shoes. We tend to use words too loosely, not thinking of the impact they have on others. If I had a family member that had intellectual disabilities, it would hurt me to hear other people using the "r-word" in their conversations. It comes down to having respect for someone else as well as for yourself. It is also wonderful to hear that the DSM will be eliminating the "r-word" as well. Having a day such as today's ( "Spread the Word to End the Word") helps people acknowledge the need to reflect on their use of words and think twice about using them. I believe everyone is here on this world to learn and learn from others. Learning the true nature of words and how they can affect the spirit of another human being is vital in our abilities to grow and love. If you know that a word is derogatory and hurtful to someone else, trying to eliminate it from your vocabulary is only the right thing to do. Im proud to hear that positive changes are taking place.
I went to the website from the link provided and I was overwhelmed by how many people support this cause. I agree that the R-word is derogatory and inappropriate. I am glad that there are now efforts being made to take that word out of the professional world. I think it will be harder to make that change in the real world, though. I have seen many movies--mostly comedies--that rely on the word for laughs. I guess change won't come easy and it will take time for the message to hit Hollywood and TV.
The "Spread the Word to End the Word" Awareness Day was long overdue. This is a very sensitive subject and a lot of people are not aware of the possible psychological damage that can be done by referring to people with dissabilities using "R-Word". Hopefully this Awareness Day will be a positive reminder of the effects of our words on people.
Crystal L. Chiu
A great idea for a great cause. This important initiative should have widespread media attention nation wide. To be completely honest, I never really heared about this national day other than by reading this blog. This initiative will not only require national media attention but it will also require a strong basis of an educational system. A system that will help eliminate this R-word by educating the entire American community and even the professional community with the proper form of addressing to people with mental disabilities. The basis of this initiative is education and time; eventually these two will help eliminate the R-word.
A.Huerta
This is a great idea if anything to bring awareness about the harshness of the "R" word for those who have intellectual disabilities. I think that people just let it go and I often hear people call each other "retarded" either joking around or as an insult. It's uncomfortable at times, however many people don't know how damaging it can be and how insulting it actually is. I also find myself trying to get past people calling people with Mental Health disorders "Crazy". Sometimes they can't even identify the disorders, they just say that the person is "crazy" which drives me nuts. I'm glad that this will make people aware of other ways they can refer to people with disabilities.
-Anna L. Ocanas
I think that the use of the R word needs to be eliminated because of what we have made it. In the past it was used to explain just what it meant "to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede; to be delayed; a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance." It has been our lose use of this word that has made it a negative word. I believe we do need to make the effort to stop using this word, but above all we need to make the effort to change our hearts and minds towards how we see individuals who are different from us. If we cannot change the way we see others in our hearts and minds we will end up eliminating a whole list of words that were never meant to hurt people. Words don't hurt people, people hurt people. In the Hispanic culture you see parents constantly calling their children "gordito" or "gordita." It is not used in a negative way even thought the word fat seems to have a negative connotation. It is all in the way you say things. So, we need to learn to love one another for our differences and in spite of our differences. It we cannot achieve that one goal, all other efforts are momentary and useless.
It is sad that people misuse words such as these with little thought about who their mindless banter actually effects, insults, and perhaps worst of all labels. The thought that the everyday use of a word can so effectively alter the sheer meaning that word is incredible in a very regrettable way. If you just think of the word, retard, merely typing it feels as if it should be inappropriate and offensive all because of how what it has come to mean is disconnected from what it was supposed to mean. The most saddening part of the concept is that it is hard to imagine any person whose life is not somehow intertwined with the very people whom they label and insult on a nearly daily basis. For these reasons I believe that movements such as these are quite important to the progression of our society into a place where all people can be free from such mindless classification and ridicule.
-sukania mendez
I could not agree more with the whole “Spread the Word to end the Word” awareness day. Its great that there is actually a day specifically designed to help bring awareness to the issue. I think that the use of the R word is so degrading and disrespectful. A person with intellectual disabilities should not be given the label “retarded” or a “retard”. It sounds so negative. One of the main reasons it has such a negative view is because people use it so loosely and some even use it as a putdown towards people without a disability. That is extremely disrespectful to people with intellectual disabilities. Although I do feel it is going to be difficult for most people to refrain from using the word, it is a great initiative to slowly change peoples view on the word.
Victoria Lopez
The R word is so strong that it labels ALL of those that have any type of disability and having this awareness is a great idea. I also believe that we need to start by education those children to see these people like a normal human being. Children learn from our behavior and if we want this "word to end the word day" we all need to start education of little ones.
The R word is so strong that it impacts those with any type of disability and labeling them as a whole. If we want this awareness of the "word to end the word day" to really work, we must first educate of little ones because they learn through our actions and behavior and they need to be taugh that people are different and that is OK. Different is good.
This is a good opportunity for people to understand that people are not retarded. They have a disability and it’s not their choice of being in the situation they are in. If this day made a difference of spreading the word not to use the word “retarded” it should be a day often used. It does hurt people’s feelings when you say that are retarded. Usually teachers say that their students are MR which stands for mentally retarded, but at least they don’t say the word retarded. If we were in their shoes and had a disability too we would not want people to call us retarded. I believe using the word retarded is a lack of respect towards people with intellectual disability. This was a great idea to spread the word and pledge not to use the r word. If we educate are kids as well as our students not to use the r word it will not be mentioned as much. It will actually increase people with disabilities self esteem. People with disabilities do think they are retarded at times because they hear it so much that it’s in their minds already that they are retarded.
Jennifer Valerio
This is a good opportunity for people to understand that people are not retarded. They have a disability and it’s not their choice of being in the situation they are in. If this day made a difference of spreading the word not to use the word “retarded” it should be a day often used. It does hurt people’s feelings when you say that are retarded. Usually teachers say that their students are MR which stands for mentally retarded, but at least they don’t say the word retarded. If we were in their shoes and had a disability too we would not want people to call us retarded. I believe using the word retarded is a lack of respect towards people with intellectual disability. This was a great idea to spread the word and pledge not to use the r word. If we educate are kids as well as our students not to use the r word it will not be mentioned as much. It will actually increase people with disabilities self esteem. People with disabilities do think they are retarded at times because they hear it so much that it’s in their minds already that they are retarded.
Jennifer Valerio
This Spread the word to end the word day is very remarkable because people need to get informed and educated on the proper way to refer to an individual with an intellectual disability. Since the R- word has been around for a long time, it is now time to re-educate and re-make that harsh R-word. However, I was aware of the word being changed many individuals that work in the Special Education Settings are still saying that horrible R-word when talking about a certain student with an intellectual disability. If Change should happen, then this teachers and educators need to be more open minded about what is changing.
Nancy L.
It is wonderful to see people uniting in this effort. I believe that a lot of the problems that we have in society are a result of ignorance. By creating a campaign and now dedicating a day to this great cause, we are raising awareness and holding people accountable for their words. Many significant organizations have already recognized the stigma attached to the term and have changed their name. I have never believed this to be an issue of terminology. The problem is what we as a society have done by using it to belittle and demean others. I believe that educating our society, especially our youth on the impact of their words and the importance of valuing others is definitely worth dedicating a day to.
M.G.Garza
I believe this is a great move and cause. When I was doing some earlier research and read "Rosa's Law" it truly touched me. It is a law that strikes the word "mentally retarded" from lawbooks and is replaced with intellectually disabled. I really think this is a step in the right direction. The word "mentally retarded" has had many negative conotations in the past. I feel as many do that the word should be changed to something less stigmatic. The brother of Rosa best stated her case when he quoted "people are going to treat you what they call you". I think this young man was very insightful and made a great point. I hope that eventually we change the name entirely and replace it with something better.
Criselda Gonzalez
National Spread the word to end the word day is a great movement to end the use of the r-word. I think that many people do not realize the weight of their words and how they can effect other people's lives with what they say. I think people should make it a point to actively try and help people see the problem with using this word in a negative way. Personally, with my family, friends, and boyfriend, I have talked to them about the negative effect that word has on people with that particular disability as well as their families. I believe that the changing the term to intellectual disabilities is a positive step to eliminate the stigma placed on people with this disability. I doubt that people would find it funny or convenient to call others "you person with an intellectual disability" as a replacement for "idiot" or "stupid". Raising awareness is the best step we can take to change the way people speak and think and National Spread the word to end the word day is a great way to start.
I think that the National Spread the word to end the word is a wonderful endeavor. When I visited the website It was amazing the amount of people that support this. I personally do not like the "R" word and would like to see it's use come to an end. I would also like to see these changes in the DSMIV. I personally feel that change starts with one and others joing in and standing for what they beleive in. I love the power of advocacy and empowerment of people.
I am so thankful that steps are being taken to stop the spread of the R-word. The website cited the "Special Olympics’ Multi-National Public Opinion Study of Attitudes toward People with Intellectual Disabilities" and I am shocked to read that 60 percent of people still think people with intellectual disabilities should be segregated in schools and in the workplace. Clearly, there also needs to more done in the areas of disability awareness.
I am also proud of Rosa Marcellino for speaking up and as result; Rosa’s Law will now mandate that the term “mental retardation” be replaced with intellectual disability. Sometimes, children and young adults grow up hearing the R-word and think it is appropriate to use. Therefore, I think it’s great that the Youth Activation Committee (YAC) is contacting celebrities, actors, and musicians and telling them that it’s not ok to use the R-word. I also like that the message is on YouTube and on Twitter.
I will also be looking into what resources are available for Spanish speakers on this topic. I speak Spanish fluently but am worried because I don’t know how to say intellectual disability in Spanish. Therefore, I feel that as future Rehab Counselors maybe we should get a person-first seminar or workshop that will prepare us on addressing our Spanish speaking clients.
B. Ramirez
Reading this article really gave me an insight into how the r-word really makes a negative impact on people. Of course I know that the r-word is not a term that I would use, especially being in the rehab field I've learned to have more respect with people with intellectual disabilities. This article just made me more aware of helping stop the use of the r-word. It was a pretty interesting article and website.
ALINA LIMON
I think it’s a wonderful idea that there’s a National Spread the word to end the word day. I think it’s also great that there are people trying really hard to use proper language and get the information out to the public. It’s a great initiative taken to change the language and terms used to describe people with disabilities, but the language doesn’t need to be changed its people’s attitudes. People need to change their ways of thinking and their attitudes when it comes to people with physical and mental disabilities. I believe whatever the new word is people will find some way to make that new word a negative word. As far as the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders I do believe the terms do need to change.
Tanya D.
I applaud the person or persons who initiated the movement. I have serious doubts that the word will be entirely forgotten. I think it would take a global act to ban the word itself from being used. The best case scenario would be a far disassociation of the word and individuals with intellectual disability. For example, the words idiot, imbecile, and moron are words used to describe individuals who have committed an act we consider “stupid” or senseless. We further question those individuals of having any intelligence. I don’t know about everyone else but I would have never associated any of those labels to a “mental retard” or intellectual disabled individual. For this reason, I believe it will take a long time for the word to become forgotten, but if we are going to jump on board and see this endeavor through, we need to get all the medical and mental health professionals on the same page, along with all the associated organization. Websites and published manuals have to be changed or updated as soon as possible. We also need a united effort, perhaps even use an agreed date for a deadline. I can be counted on as being on board and I will do my best to convince and even apply a little pressure on other to follow suite. . I agree with individual who state this movement needs to get national media attention to get rolling. I would like to suggest having a designated ribbon to wear or perhaps adding wrist bracelets to help with recruitment and memory retention. A. Lazo
"Spread the Word to End the Word Day" is a great idea to build the tolerance of individuals with disabilities and to end descriminatory and hurtful language. Using the "R" word is similar to the efforts to remove the "N" word, which dehumanizes African Americans. Iniative and education are key to prevent history from repeating itself. Let us embrace all the differences and employ a loving culture of acceptance, strengthing the bonds of society.
Wow so March 3 is eliminating the R word day now? I did not know that. I can remember growing up as a person without a disability in the small town of Freer Texas. We had 3 individuals about the same age who were classified as MR. My good friend was the brother of one of the boys with MR. My buddy was very popular and I never saw anyone make fun of his brother by calling him the R word. Was it because of respect towards the brother without the disability? I don’t think so. I really feel that because these 3 boys with MR had their own unique personality we were all amazed and quit found to them. I can remember one of them was really gifted in playing the accordion which was really popular in the early eighties. I personally feel that the word has not business in today’s society because it really devalues individuals with MR or LD and I am really glad that this awareness is out.
Emede Reyes
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