What You Really Told Me When You Said Retard

We tend to overlook our special needs community, and we need to see that we are all part of one community. I have taken a stand against use of this word, and have lost friends (some i chose to distance from, others just–shake my head). This is a great post that I hope makes one stop to ponder.

Looking Up With Down Syndrome

Language is powerful. What we say and how we say it has impact. I love someone with a disability. I know how language can be respectful and uplifting and how it can degrade and demean. I have done my research and made evidence-based arguments. I should be able to discuss this calmly with you. I shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. I know I’m right. But I also know this conversation can be a wedge. It can make people feel embarrassed and uncomfortable – defensive even. I don’t want to make people feel ashamed and I don’t want an apology. I know you mean well and have probably never thought about it before. I’m not judging you, but I want you to understand how the words you choose matter to me and to Evelyn and other families like ours.

When you say, “I felt like a retard!” or “That…

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