Poorva Chavan
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The sensitivity towards intellectually disabled person has always been less. We don't think twice before mistreat them and calling them names. Do we realise that calling them retarded or a retard is as offensive as any other slur? To end the discrimination against disabled people and stop the usage of the word 'retard' to describe intellectually disabled people, a non-profit organisation called Spread the Word to end the word is urging people to show respect to everyone. Read: How inclusive and accessible is our society?
The campaign was first started in 2009 during the Special Olympics by youth with and without intellectual disabilities. The campaign was started with a motive to make everyone realise the contribution of people with intellectual disabilities to the world. They also promote the use of language that is not demeaning and hurtful to people with intellectual disabilities. Read: Women with disabilities in India are treated worse than animals
March 2 is celebrated as the annual day of activation to spread the word to end the word campaign. If you feel strongly about this cause and want everyone else to stop using the r-word in a derogatory way, you can pledge your support here.
In India, the condition is even worse. Lack of awareness of intellectual disabilities and the stigma attached to them in the country are a huge impediment for people with disabilities. It is not just limited to lack of proper support groups for such families, but the lack of basic amenities like washrooms for the disabled, lack of ramps in public transport and public spaces make it difficult for them to experience life like everyone else.
So, with pledging against the use of the r-word let's also pledge for improving the facilities for the disabled in India and everywhere else.
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