Spread The Word To End The R-Word

Today is the day to Spread the Word to End the Word. Here's how you can take the pledge to end the use of the R-word!

What's the R-word?

Retard(ed).

For those with intellectual disabilities, or for those of us who love them, it is an incredibly hurtful word and it shouldn't be used. Ever.

"Hey, it's a medical word!" some might say.

So my question for you, are you a doctor? Besides that, even those who work with diagnosis have stopped using the R-word. The DSM-5 used by psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors have stopped using "mentally retarded" and now use the phrase intellectual disabilities when referring to people.

But this is more using person-first language or political correctness.

It's about respect.

It's about acknowledging that a person with intellectual disabilities is, after all, a person. When you use the word retard(ed) you're saying that a person with Down syndrome, like my youngest daughter, is "less than."

All people should be respected. All people should be loved. All people should be treasured. And when you use words that suggest otherwise, it is hurtful even if you didn't intend it to be. If you agree, head over to the Spread the Word to End the R-Word website and take the pledge to never use the R-word again.

Still not convinced? Do yourself a favor and watch this...