Words are powerful

We are taking a stand against the use of the negative word retarded (and all of its variants).

Sadly, the r-word is fairly common and widely accepted.  Perhaps use of it continues because people don’t realise that the r-word demeans, insults and hurts people with an intellectual and/or cognitive disability and those who care about them. 

To quote our members, it ‘hurts their hearts’ and makes them feel sad and dreadful.  One offers this advice, “all people should use respectful words and not say retarded.  Retarded is an awful term which hurts many people.”

We stand firmly with our Members against this offensive and hurtful slur and are passionate about educating society to not use the r-word.  We will do what we can to bring attention to the need to stop the use of the r-word. 

Us with Minister Pitt and Di Farmer near the Speaker's Green

“Today we went to Parliament House.  We talked to the Minister and the others  [Di Farmer MP, the Minister’s advisors, and a representative from the Department of Communities] about why it is important to stop using the word retarded.”

Please join us in our efforts to eliminate the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Together we can make a difference.

ben and angela