As part of a Community Service Project, the Mater Dei volleyball team and Community Link, a not for profit organization supporting people with developmental disabilities, paired up to run a “R-word” campaign at Mater Dei High School.

“Spread the Word to End the Word” is a national campaign supported by Special Olympics and Best Buddies asking people/students to no longer use the derogatory words “retard” or “retarded.”

Sad but true — the “R-word” or “retard(ed)” has found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by most, despite the fact that its use, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those that love them. For too long, these people have had to overcome the challenges society has put forth through stereotypes.

Chris Gebke of Community Link brought the idea to the Mater Dei volleyball team who acted as ambassadors to the campaign.  The girls created presentations with the use of some moving videos and presented the campaign to fellow students in their religion classes asking them to no longer use the “r-words”.  In addition to the presentations, the girls held a rally day getting their fellow students to sign a pledge stating they would no longer use the word.

The large banner with signatures is hanging in the halls as a reminder.  At their last home volleyball game, the girls again raised awareness by asking the fans in the stands to take the “R-word” pledge which follows:

“I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the R-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.”

The Mater Dei Volleyball team and Community Link ask your support in eliminating this word from your vocabulary.  Replace the “R-word” with “Respect”!  “Please help us,” they stated.  “It is time for a change!”

Community Link, a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, helps people with development disabilities and other difficulties to achieve learning breakthroughs, find a job, live in a home of their own, and make friends.  The 39-year-old agency serves individuals and families in southwestern Illinois.

For more information go to www.r-word.org or call Chris Gebke at Community Link.

Tags: mater dei high school, people with developmental disabilities, people with intellectual disabilities, special olympics, united way

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 27th, 2011 at 1:05 pm and is filed under Community, Feature Stories.