By Fred W. Robinson in the Ventura County [CA] Star:

Have you ever used the word “retard” in a derogatory way? The phrase, “You’re such a retard,” can be especially damaging to young children and those who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Before the 1960s, if you had a developmental disability, you would have been placed in a state institution.

Since then, much progress has been made. Now, most state institutions are closed and the developmentally disabled have joined the mainstream as active, participating members of our communities. But while much progress has been made, discrimination and misunderstanding continue to persist. Disrespectful references to people with mental retardation and other disabilities far too often surface in our language, public institutions and entertainment industry.

At The Arc of Ventura County, we have joined other national organizations in a campaign to eliminate the R-word from our vocabulary. It is too often used as a demeaning, hurtful and unnecessary reference to a person who otherwise offers both value and significance to our community.

Fred W. Robinson is chief executive officer of The Arc of Ventura County in California.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 8:49 am and is filed under commentary, intellectual/developmental disabilities, language, stigma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post