Editorial: It’s time for state agencies to lose ‘R-word’
June 16th, 2009Editorial writers at the [Hamilton, OH] Journal-News call for final approval of a measure that would remove the word “retardation” from the names of state and county agencies that serve people with developmental disabilities.
“‘Retard’ and ‘retarded’ are two terms that are commonly used in today’s society to belittle or insult others,” [Sen. Jimmy Stewart, R-Albany] said in March testimony on the bill. “It seems that at a very early age children add these words to their vocabulary. The verbal abuse that these (disabled) children experience has long lasting effects that negatively impact a child’s perception of their own self-worth.”
The measure is long overdue in Ohio. Children and adults with mental disabilities should not be burdened with an offensive and insensitive term that is a hold-over from an earlier, less enlightened era. We look forward to Gov. Strickland signing SB 79 into law.
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June 16th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I couldn’t agree more. It’s time all states move to ban the outdated inappropriate word.
I have actually refrained from applying for a waiver my daughter would most likely benefit from merely because I can’t handle the name of the waiver. I know many might find that a bit over the top, but that word isn’t a word that describes my child, and I don’t want anyone to associate to her in any way that involves the r-word.