When I graduate, my goal as a teacher will be to help kids learn, no matter their ability. Every child deserves to learn, including those with intellectual disabilities. Something else they deserve is respect. They are people, and they have names. They are somebody's son or daughter, and they want to be treated like everybody else. They are not "retarded."

Thanks to my sorority, Special Olympics has a special place in my heart. An important part of Special Olympics is their campaign Spread the Word to End the Word, an effort to end the R-word and teach respect for those with intellectual disabilities. This campaign brings attention to the facts for those who may not realize what they are saying or doing when they use the R-word.

Something I learned from them is that this word is not used by medical professionals or the federal government anymore. “Mental retardation” was once a term used to describe significant intellectual impairments. However, people began to use “retarded” and “retard” as derogatory terms and insults. Over time, what once was a legitimate medical term has become a hateful slur.

Words have power, including the power to hurt real people who cannot change who they are. These children and adults with disabilities, along with their families, know that the R-word is not a compliment, and they are deeply hurt by it. It is a hateful, degrading word that makes somebody with a disability feel like less than a person.

I don't believe that everybody who uses this word intends to be malicious or hurt anybody. However, that is exactly what is happening when it is used. It's not okay. Consider how you set an example for others by using this word, making it seem like it's an acceptable word to use. This word is a plague of disrespect, and I don't want it to spread anymore.

I ask ... no, I plead. Please stop using the R-word. You can justify its use any way you want, but consider who you are hurting when you use it. Let’s spread the word to end the word and spread some respect. If somebody you know continues to use this word, it’s okay to calmly ask them to find a different word. If they still don’t get it, you have every right to explain that it’s derogatory and extremely disrespectful.

Nobody is perfect. We are all guilty of using this word, including myself. However, I cannot use this word knowing how it hurts others, and I will not sit quietly when I hear others using it. I hope I can do my part to promote a new R-word: Respect.