"The R Word"

Mental Retardation is nothing that should be talked about in a jokingly way. It is a very serious disease and changes a persons life. Ellen Seidman, mother of 9 year old Max, deals with hearing "The R Word" more than necessary. She is very concerned for her son who is growing up with Cerebral Palsy. 

Personally I would never use the word in a unnecessary way because of the fact that it does hurt others feelings and it is a name of a disease not a name to call one another. It is indeed a negative perception and more people need to understand that this in no way is okay to be said.

Not only is "The R Word" hurtful but very disrespectful and many have started forming groups trying to fight this word to its end. This Word is in need of an ending and is mainly used in a very demeaning way. It is wrong and rude. Everyone probably has said it atleast once in their lives but that does not mean its right.

"There's already a lot of prejudice and misunderstanding about people with cognitive impairments, and this is one small thing I can do to help."