“I’m Really Terrified, Too!”

‘I’m really terrified’: Disability rights advocates concerned about return of r-word….

and it’s so understandable, given that the president-elect made fun of a reporter with a neuromotor disability (shown below).

Below is the link to the reporter’s article updated on November 14, 2024

Beth Teitell can be reached at beth.teitell@globe.com. Follow her @bethteitell.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/11/14/metro/r-word-disability-advocates-slur-ableist/?et_rid=1698721064&s_campaign=todaysheadlines%3Anewsletter&fbclid=IwY2xjawGljkpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRigk7nH7Tkeu0tybtCL8Dy2hSIt5oCfra1UUje2JmMW8DjjdGWf4CGzvw_aem_oLbpq8fKvJJaIhfaTc2txA

The following screenshots demonstrate the 1-2 punch of words:

I come of age during the disability rights movement,

deinstitutionalization leading to community residences and the creation of IDEA that demanded special education for children with disabilities. This movement ultimately led to my discovery of occupational therapy with a focus on children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

Social Justice and Occupational Therapy

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While some people continue to need to reminders that the “r” word is considered derogatory, especially when used as a synonym for “stupid”- we in the disability, special needs, therapy world must continue to advocate for our most vulnerable loved ones, neighbors, clients or simply- Americans.

Thank-you for reading my vent…..