Spread the Word to End the Word

This campaign is a 365-day/year effort, but every year on March 6 we take time out to spread awareness. 

This is an extremely personal cause to me - more than references my gender or race, I am confronted with the excessive and inappropriate use of the "r word," as well as stares, pity, opinions, etc.  This word isolates a group of people who already are and feel more isolated than anyone else in the word.  And frankly, it's an unkind and inconsiderate word to use as a put-down.  

For most of you, this was never in your vocabulary.  Most people I see and talk to on a regular basis who used this word in the past have stopped in part because of my influence. I have never judged a friend who has made a conscious effort to stop using the word but slips from time to time. But if you still make a habit of using that word, 

please stop.

I get really tired of the accusations of "censorship" or a "double standard" or "who cares," or "well I'm using the word according to the technical definition..." 

please stop.

If for no other reason, it makes my life and my family's life easier, and it is a step toward treating people like my brother Jonathan with the dignity they deserve.  Seriously, be a nice person, and 

please stop.

Some links:

http://r-word.org/

https://www.facebook.com/EndtheWord?fref=ts

http://www.parenting.com/article/down-syndrome

http://autismwithasideoffries.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-didnt-mean-your-kid.html#comment-form

http://inthatroomwithheidiharrell.blogspot.com/2013/03/from-my-mama-heart.html

Thank you for your time.