Today: Spread the Word to End the "R-Word"

The word “retard” as a human label has never been acceptable!

Years ago, terms such as "feebleminded, mental defective, idiot and moron" had functional meanings and were acceptable medical terms. Initially, "retardation" replaced older terms because it was less stigmatizing. However, by the 1960s, that term was also fostering stigma. Today, an attitude shift is taking place toward people with intellectual disabilities, and new terms reflect positive changes and avoid stigma. Reject depersonalizing phrases such as "the mentally retarded" in favor of person-first language such as "person who has an intellectual disability".

For more details, see the archived post, “A Brief History of the R-Word”

No-Cost Disability Law Handbook

The DBTAC Southwest ADA Center announces the publication of The Disability Law Handbook, a 50-page guide to the basics of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability related laws.

The Disability Law Handbook answers questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Social Security, the Air Carrier Access Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and the Fair Housing Act Amendments.

Individual copies of The Disability Law Handbook are available at no charge by emailing Rauseo@bcm.edu , or by calling Dionne Rauseo at 713.520.0232, ext.113. Other publicctions are available at: http://www.dlrp.org/html/publications/index.html
Listen to the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast at http://dll.ada-podcast.com

March 31- Spread the Word to End the Word Event

"R-word" awareness actitivities are scheduled nation-wide to "Spread the Word to End the Word", a campaign to stop the use of the word "retard". The "R Word" and stigmatizing references to people with intellectual disaiblities recently made headlines with President Obama's remarks on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". View a clip of his comment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0yAEvVsUo (various clips are available).

Through “Spread the Word to End the Word,” an on-line youth rally Live stream will occur at www.schooltube.com, 12:35 PM Eastern Time. R-word Pledge Rallies will take place at
American University, Beirut, lebanon; all high schools in state of Delaware; school in the Fort Worth Independent School District, Texas; at the University of Kansas, Western Michigan University, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Princeton University, and Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania, just to name a few. Visit http://www.specialolympics.org/03-31-09_Spread_the_Word.aspx.