Today I read a comment from Chocbonbonbella from room5weblog.blogspot.com. They asked
“But what if someone IS retarded and you call that person that, and they take it the wrong way? Not saying retarded is really hard for all my friends and I.”
I commented back, but I thought that it was an intresting topic. What IF someone has an intellectual disability? Is it right to call them retarded?
I don’t think that you should because mental retardation is a condition. In my reply I said that if someone is diabetic you don’t call them by their condition, you call them by their name. It’s the same with people with intellectual disabilities. I don’t think you should call anyone by anything other than their name. Also, unless any person invites you to talk about their condition, you shouldn’t talk about it. It would be disrespectful to do that.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: "special olympics" "the r word" |
25 Days to Make a Difference 
i think you are right.
Thanx for answering my question Laura. That really helps.
chocbonbonbella
Just passing by.Btw, you website have great content!
Haven’t read through the whole thing yet. I will, but I’m behind on my reader already:) Was linked here, and wanted to post this before I forgot. Have you read Petey by Ben Mikaelsen? You have too, I believe all kids should too. Each year my fifth graders and I read it, and the discussion you had comes up. After reading the book, students return to tell me they cringe when they hear peers speak that way to each other. Sorry~ had to comment when I was thinking about it. I truly enjoy reading your blog, by the way!
~Crista
Just proves the old adage. It’s an ill wind that blows no good.