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Your Stories

May 22, 2013 | North America: Canada

Difficult Task

By Laura Usher

It will be a difficult task to get rid of the R word, even with the support of many that the word never be used. I just finished dealing with my daughter's dance instructor calling the girls dance formation "retarded."View Story ▼It will be a difficult task to get rid of the R word, even with the support of many that the word never be used. Even in organizations that have placements for people with special needs and talk about equality for all it seems to be the norm. I just finished dealing with my daughter's dance instructor calling the girls dance formation retarded. “Really the teacher of all people towards the students dance formation” I was shocked and disgusted I called the dance director. I was told she is a teacher in training, that she needs to get experience and that she will apologized to the students. The students got “Sorry that I push you so hard”. The instructor did not even have the courtesy to apologize for the very poor choice of words she used.

About Laura Usher:I am a mom of three. My children do not have a special need, I have a brother who is Downs syndrome and have taught my children to respect everyone.
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May 21, 2013 | North America: Minnesota

Ishine

By Emily

So we have a program at out school called Ishine. It's a place where kids with disabilities can go to learn. My friend's little brother goes there and he is soo adorable.View Story ▼So we have a program at out school called Ishine. It's a place where kids with disabilities can go to learn. My friend's little brother goes there and he is soo adorable. Anyway, our grade gets to sign up and then 5 of us get to volunteer and it switches every semester. So I tried the first time and didn't get it, but I tried again and got in. So now, every Friday I go down the Ishine an play games with the students (they are our age) one of the girls is super nice and always wants me to hang out with her and help her. She's a grade young then me but she is still so fun to be around. I adore hanging out with them so then when ever I hear the rword it hurts. I mean they are so sweet and deserve to be treated like us. I came up with these quotes even like "Just because we're different doesn't mean we should be treated differently" and I saw this as a title to a video "If you have a pulse, you have a purpose!" Thanks for listening to my story! :) NOW... Spread the word, to end the word!!

About Emily:Umm well, I am a 7th grade student and have a lot of supportive friends. I like drawing and reading and writing but most of all I love to volunteer at the Ishine program! They are lovely kids! :)
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May 21, 2013 | North America: Oregon

Nowadays, it's an indirect offense.

By Julia Loomis

I used to say the "R" word all the time. I didn't realize I was causing pain and offense to those around me. So before I joined a Special Olympics program, my mom gave me a perspective over the same type of pain that's caused by the "R" word.View Story ▼I used to say the "R" word all the time. I didn't realize I was causing pain and offense to those around me. Coming from a teen's stand-point in society, since it's not directed towards anyone in particular it won't cause pain. But that's obviously false. So before I joined the Special Olympics program, my mom gave me a perspective over the same type of pain that's caused by the "R" word. She said, "Julia, you know how in high school there is that girl who everyone thinks is mean because of a small thing she said and she thought it was harmless while everyone took it to offense? Well that's what you're doing when you use that word." I hadn't thought about it that way and it kind of made me sick. I knew that feeling of disgust caused by a person when they didn't mean what they said. It made me feel torn up inside. So to help out with ending the "R" word I joined Special Olympics and I had a blast. I met so many people and within a week, I felt like I was already making a difference.

About Julia Loomis:I have just recently turned 16 and about 3 years ago, my splendid cousin Kelly got me involved in the program. I've volunteered for snowshoeing and swimming. I took some time off and regret it.
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May 17, 2013 | North America: New York

My heart melts..

By Amberley O'Brien

Let me start out by saying that I never saw this word as a huge deal. I always felt the negative connotations to it, but it was just something teenagers say. I have realized the error of my ways.View Story ▼Let me start out by saying that I never saw this word as a huge deal. I always felt the negative connotations to it, but it was just something teenagers say. Now, at the age of 22, I have realized the error of my ways. Within the past 2 months, I have started a career working with developmentally disabled adults. I never thought I would fall so hard and so fast for some of these individuals. Sometimes, days are a challenge but then there are moments of happiness when your heart just melts.

About Amberley O'Brien:
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May 17, 2013 | North America: Montana

I'm Human too.

By Jeremiah Daniel Laurin

I regret to be one of those who have said the word "Retarded" in a loose manner, but: it's not a cuss word. And to say the "R-word" is even worse. Just say: "Let us end disrespect to others, at the root cause; it is a heart issue."View Story ▼I use it to mean in regards to some thing slow, it is not to be used in a demeaning or condescending way, for example: "A Video tape can be retarded if it is actually being slow." But it has been used loosely, and I regret to be one of those who have said the word "Retarded" in a loose manner, but: it's not a cuss word. And to say the "R-word" is even worse. Just say: "Let us end disrespect to others, at the root cause; it is a heart issue." And leave it at that. FYI: "I have Cerebral Palsy." People tell me I can’t do certain things all the time. I know my limitations… I’m not GOD after all, I'm a creation; NOT the Creator! ;)

About Jeremiah Daniel Laurin:I was Born in 1982. I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at age two. I now currently work for Rocky Mountain Easter Seals Inc. of North America: Montana since the year 09/01/10.
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  • As someone with Aspergers and PDD-NOS I find the "R-Word" to really hit home with me and have been hurt by it before, no person with intellectual disabilities should ever...

    ...

    Alex DiGiovanni

    Sewell, New Jersey
    42 hours ago

  • I worked with adults with profound mental disabilities for many years. Those were some of the most rewarding times of my life. I can't and won't tolerate the degrading of...

    ...

    Angela Mills

    Hot Springs, Arkansas
    451 hours ago

  • No body should have to be treated differently just because they're different from other people. Everybody is different, so why treat someone a little more different than ...

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    Emma

    Verona, Wisconsin
    458 hours ago

  • i have a typical autism and in my last year of high school when i was catching the bus home i use public transport some younger kids who went to my high school throw pape...

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    Julia Young

    Dunedin, New Zealand
    537 hours ago

  • The students, faculty and staff of McCall helped to Spread the Word to End the Word on April 10, 2013. More than 700 students took the pledge by signing a banner in the c...

    ...

    McCall Middle School

    Winchester, Massachusetts
    539 hours ago

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