Polk County EMTs and Paramedics Support Effort to End the ‘R-Word’
November 03, 2010
The union representing EMTs and paramedics in Polk County is urging EMS professionals to support an ongoing nation-wide effort to end the use of the word ‘retarded’ in reference to the mentally handicapped.
“This issue strikes close to home for many of us,” said Ken Skaggs, a national representative for the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics and shop steward for Local R5-917, which represents the Polk County EMS workers. “I personally have a nephew and a cousin who are Special Olympians and it pains me that our society still condones the use of the ‘r-word’ to describe fellow human beings who have disabilities.”
The program, Spread the Word to End the Word, began following the 2009 Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit during the Special Olympics Winter Games. Since the drive began, it has received the support of over 200 organizations, including Best Buddies International.
"Spread the Word to End the Word is motivated by a passion for human dignity,” said Local 917 member Deana Rickman. “The ‘r-word’ word isn’t just demeaning and offensive to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, but is also offensive no matter how it is used.”
Local 917 is asking that you join them in making a formal pledge on the Spread the Word to End the Word web site, to stop using the ‘r-word.’
“Up to three percent of the world’s population has an intellectual disorder; maybe you know someone,” said Rickman. “Think of that person and imagine how they would feel if this word was used in front of them. The ‘r-word’ is as offensive as a racial or religious slur, and by using the word casually to describe an action that is less than ideal, you are making a person with intellectual disabilities feel inhuman, whether you want it to or not.”
Once again, if you are interested in more information or in making a personal pledge to help end the use of the ‘r-word,’ please go here.