Opinion
Letters to the editor, Feb. 14
TBO.com
Published: February 14, 2013
Officially end use of the 'R-word' in FloridaPublished: February 14, 2013
We support The Arc of Florida in its work to make changes to state laws that are long overdue. Senate Bill 142, the Intellectual Disabilities Bill, would remove the term "mental retardation" and replace it with "intellectual disability" in state statutes.
The field of intellectual disabilities has evolved since the mid 1900s. Back then when an individual was born with an intellectual disability, he or she would usually be institutionalized.
We at UPARC, one of the largest members of the Arc in Florida, have long known and understood that people with intellectual disabilities can live a full and rewarding life.
Terminology used by medical professionals has also evolved over time. Over the last few years the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the American Psychiatric Association and the Social Security Administration have all removed the "R-word" from their terminology.
Once considered a valid medical term, the R-word has become a hurtful slang that promotes negative stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities.
As someone who has worked in this field for 25 years for an organization that has served individuals with intellectual disabilities since 1962, I know how hurtful and demeaning this out-of-date word can be.
Changing public attitudes about the R-word is not easy, but numerous celebrities and public officials have been criticized in recent years for using the R-word.
Criticism means the tide is turning on old accepted ways. It is no longer acceptable to us the R-word.
It is time for Florida to join the 39 states that have changed their laws and wording.
We also need to embrace "Rosa's Law" and follow Congress' 2010 changes to federal health, education and labor policy statutes.
Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Senate Bill 142 would do this.
Please, on behalf of our intellectually disabled citizens, contact your state senator and representative and encourage them to support the Intellectual Disabilities Bill. It is time to end the R-word in Florida.
Sheldon Hershman
Clearwater
The writer is the executive director of UPARC.