Retarded

So I went on Facebook today and saw a whole ton of posts from the Special Olympics, the Huffington Post, and Spread the Word to End the Word. All of the posts were about getting people to stop saying the "R-Word."

I thought well this is good, maybe I will just re-post this by clicking the button right here...boom did my part....

Then I thought...well self you have your own perspective on this so why don't you share it?

Here goes...

I do not have a diagnosis, a disability, a handicap... I was fortunate to be born the way I am....but this does not mean that I think those with a diagnosis, a disability, or a handicap are unfortunate...or dumb, or lame, or less of a person...No not at all.

I am certified as an intervention specialist...I have worked with wonderful children with various diagnoses, and have LOVED working with them! Through working with them I have learned from them. I have learned how much these students are capable of...stop looking at what people can't do and start realizing what they CAN do!

Every time I hear those words - Retards, Retard, Retarded - I cringe

I have come to hate those words...to hate how they are used

The original use of the word was not meant to be harmful, but that is what it has become.

I understand that to you it means nothing...it means dumb or lame...I get that...but to me, and those in my profession, and those who the word "describes" or "labels" it is hurtful.

It has become a harmful word. My students, who I care about deeply, are not dumb. Contrarily they are quite bright...They can learn different things than the rest of us...things that we take for granted every day, things about school buses, things about music, about flowers, about people, about enjoying life. Some of these kids know how to have a better time on any given day than I do...

Look a flower...oh I uh hadn't noticed the beauty of that dandelion

They help me learn things about myself
You're being mean today...Oh oops...check myself

They are great at complimenting you
You look very pretty today Miss ___ *gets me every time*
You should teach at _____ High next year so you can be my teacher *so honored*
You're the best science teacher ever! *oh my gosh my heart can't contain this much joy*

When I notice that someone who does have a disability of some sort has made a life for themselves "in the real world" I get so excited. I am happy for them, and it brings joy to my life. I enjoy seeing their success even though I don't personally know them. They have worked harder than you will ever know to get that job, whatever the job may be...and to keep it...well my goodness they are a superstar!!!

These people, who are negatively affected by the word retard, are some of the hardest working people I know...So I choose not to make retard, retarded, and retards part of my vocabulary. I choose not to use these words, which cause so much pain, lightly. Whether or not you realize it, those words hurt...and I would encourage you not to use them.