March 3 is the day – nationally and internationally -- to rid use of the “R-word” (retard/retarded) from our vocabulary.
Fifty years ago the use of the “N-word” was commonplace. Now it’s not. People find it offensive and vulgar.
That’s because it is.
And so is the R-word.
Some will argue that retardation is a medical term and therefore it’s OK to say. However, even within the clinical arena, medical professionals are looking to officially change the language that refers to people with intellectual disabilities to remove a reference that has become hurtful and, indeed, shameful over the years.
And the truth is that words are powerful. Using words like “retard” and “retarded” is demeaning, insulting and marginalizing to millions of people with intellectual disabilities as well as their friends, families, teachers and co-workers.
There are several ways to show your support. Facebook.com members can search “End The R-Word in Aberdeen, SD (and beyond)” and join with local supporters to raise awareness. There is also a link on the Facebook group page directing interested people to take the national “End the R-Word on 3.3.10” pledge (www.r-word.org).
We be will be sponsoring activities to raise awareness about negative speech. Banner were placed in various locations throughout Aberdeen for people to sign to show their support for eliminating the R-word from our daily language. Thank you to all the local supporters and businesses who assisted with this campaign.
Moving Mountains Best Practice Award
The South Dakota Association of Community Based Services (SDACBS) was recently recognized by the University of Minnesota's Research and training Center of Community Living and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals for providing expanded opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work and participate as active members of their communities by receiving the "Moving Mountains Best Practices" Award. SDACBS is comprised of nineteen Community Support Providers including ATC, Inc.
ATC, Inc. will be celebrating it's 50th Anniversary in 2010 and has set aside the week of September 20-24th for celebration. With celebrating the anniversary we are asking families and friends who have a special memory or story to share with us. You can send your stories to stories@abatc.org. Along with celebrating 50 years of providing supports to people with disabilities the agency will be unveiling a new name in 2010. Watch for more information in the upcoming months.
Shelly Pfaff, Director of SD Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, will be presenting on Monday, April 5 at 6:30pm. Shelly's presentation will include:
To work or not - what do people with disabilities who work have to say?
What is different in South Dakota in terms of employment for people with disabilities?
How can a CWIC or Benefits Specialist assist me?
Everybody Works! Everybody Wins!
April
6:30pm
Shelly Pfaff from the COALITION and Freedom to Work Presentation May
10
1:00pm
Seventh Annual ATC Foundation, Inc. Benefit Golf Tournament at Moccasin Creek Country Club. Click here to download application
