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GRMy mom and I have wanted to do a 💥post about using the R-word for a long time and have put it off. We want our feed to be positive-
But last week something happened where we knew we had to do this post and share our feelings together.
💕 While I was at work, my mom was in the library and overheard a very loud conversation going on between three people out in the open having a meeting. One was a parent, one was a 23 year old and the other person was an employee of the state that provides services to people with disabilities.
There was a question asked about taking medication- and the reply came back “No, I don’t take medication-
what do I look like a retard?”
The case worker or parent said nothing after the remark.
✨ My mom packed up her things and calmly walked over to the table and introduced herself and said :
‘ Hi, my name is Linda Strobel and I have a child with a disability.
I overheard your conversation about being a retard and I wanted to let you know how offensive that was and that I’m asking you to stop using it -it’s hurtful and degrading.’
The young lady apologized for saying it but the case worker and the mother just stared at my mom.
👀We understand that ‘retarded’ was once a medical term, but that’s no longer the case. It’s a term used to degrade and dehumanize a very vulnerable population.
Many times these individuals cannot speak or stand up for themselves.
We see it still in TV shows and movies and people think it’s a funny word to use.
🌼When you think about it we would never call someone the R-word who has had
🔹a stroke
🔹 suffering from PTSD
🔹challenged with mental illness
🔹challenged with Parkinson’s
Or any other kind of condition that might have a person take longer to do things, process information differently, move slower or have other difficulties.
Why is it still okay to use this word and hurt people with disabilities?
🌼It can be uncomfortable to confront family or friends when the word is out there -but If we don’t say something …..who will?
🌼 Please stand up and say something if you hear this word, because It Truly Matters.
#standoutforgood #shareyourstory #kindness #kindnessmatters #downsyndromeawareness #advocate
@grace_strobel
