Respect

On occasion I will venture away from sports on this blog.  Today is one of those occasions.  If you've followed me for some time you know that I have a daughter with Down syndrome.  That might make me more sensitive to certain language.  I hope so.  The “R-word” or “retard(ed)” has found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by most, despite the fact that its use, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those that love them.

The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For too long, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have had to overcome the challenges society has put forth through stereotypes. It is time for a change.

I would like to ask the readers of this blog to take a moment to pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

You can pledge at r-word.org.  I thank you and Caroline thanks you.

Caroline and Luke Sommer - 2010