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Posted by myhealthla on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

We have all heard the phrase, ?Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never harm me.?? Unfortunately, we all know that this is not often the case.? Words are powerful and have the ability to hurt and harm us.? Today, I am asking all of you to join DHH in ending the use of a word that hurts one of Louisiana?s most vulnerable, but strongest, populations.? March 7^th is National Spread the Word to End the Word Day (www.r-word.org).? Today, we have the opportunity to take the pledge to end the use of the R-word and create a more accepting world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Although the term ?mental retardation? originated as a medical and clinical diagnosis, today it is commonly used as an epithet to insult or negatively characterize people or actions as being inferior.? The phrase ?retard? or ?retarded? is demeaning and hurtful to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and their friends.? Medical and health communities, which originally used the phrase to diagnose or label people, have recognized the hurtful nature of the R-word and replaced the phrase with terms like ?intellectual disability.?? Regardless of what people mean or intend when they use the R-word, the effects on others can be devastating.? Its use can cause those diagnosed or classified with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, to feel less valued.

I challenge each of you to be more mindful of your speech and stop using the R-word. When you hear others use the R-word, stop and take a moment to set a positive example. Explain to them how hurtful the R-word is. Do your part to make others aware of how their speech affects those around them.? When we join together to educate ourselves and others, we can make a difference, and we will end the R-Word.? Join us in in promoting the importance of acceptance, friendship, inclusion and utility by using the new R-Word, RESPECT.? Visit www.r-word.org to take the pledge.

I, Bruce D. Greenstein, 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.

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Source: http://myhealthla.org/2012/03/1386/

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