Jennifer Jewell

Bellefonte

Words Matter. Centre Region Down Syndrome Society would like to encourage you to delete the R-word from your vocabulary. I know, I grew up in the 80’s. It may be a habit, but it’s a painful slur that marginalizes people with disabilities, like hate language against any minority group. Instead, choose inclusion and respect. Join the Pledge to End the Word.

My personal story: When my son entered kindergarten, the school psychologist sat with me and shared his testing results. She said, I am sorry but the state of Pennsylvania still requires this language, your son is mentally retarded.

What if this happened to you? Now how would it make you feel to hear that word used in derogatory language, and by someone in the daily spotlight?

The R-word continues to carry a significant stigma and is often used in a way that perpetuates negative stereotypes and discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society’s mission is to provide individuals with Down Syndrome and their families with the tools, resources and support necessary to participate in, contribute to ​and achieve personal fulfillment.​

We believe that advocating for Spread the Word to End the Word movement is part of that mission.

Don’t know how to promote inclusion? Start with hello. Give a high five or a fist bump. Smile! Acknowledging a person with a disability. Sit next to someone alone at lunch. Start a ripple effect that shows kindness, acceptance and empathy. People with disabilities want to belong, just like you. Remember, we’re more alike than different. Make your pledge to end the word at www.spreadtheword.global/pledge.

Come meet us at the World Down Syndrome Day Dance on 3/21. www.CRDSS.org