Reality check: the R word is the wrong word
For Learning Disability Week I want people to understand that terms like 'retard' are offensive and not okay to use to describe anyone. Learning disability isn't a problem, it's a condition.
There's a word people love so much that when you ask them to stop saying it they'll defend it, and sometimes this leads to arguments. That word is "retard" and when people with a learning disability speak out about it, they got a whole lot of arguments in return.
In America they have a campaign called Spread The Word to End The Word, which raises awareness that using terms like the R-word to describe people is not okay in our society.
Fair warning; the next time someone describes something annoying and upsetting or negative as the R-word I'm going to lose my shizz!
Having a learning disability is largely viewed as having a problem, when it shouldn't be - it's just part of the diversity of humanity. Being "able" is seen as the norm, but society is more diverse then that.
There is no reason why people with a learning disability shouldn't have access to all the same things that everyone else does in our society, such as paid work a home of their own choice, and how they choose to spend their time Josie Scantlebury
People with a learning disability face a lot of discrimination from the population. Because of this, people should start to rethink using the R-word.
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A learning disability can affect someone in a wide verity of ways. The terms include mild, moderate severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Having the right support, people with learning disability can achieve more than you think can and lead a happy life and live independently in their own home. People with more server learning disabilities require 24 hour care to perform more daily living skills.
I have friends and colleagues who have a learning disability. Nearly all at some point have had to listen to offensive language from others at some point in their life. It's ignorant to use such terms. It's just slang, you might say, it's just a joke, it's not actually. This has got to stop!
No person with learning disability is stupid; dumb, slow, incompetent, pathetic, or a loser. In many ways we are just like everyone else. Studio types shouldn't define; we deserve "rights" Think of other kids and adults with learning disabilities' who face changes. So think, respect, and don't say it.
There is no reason why people with a learning disability shouldn't have access to all the same things that everyone else does in our society, such as paid work a home of their own choice, and how they choose to spend their time.
Our work at Mencap is all about removing labels and prejudices that people with a learning disability often face. However, it is important to recognise that we still have a way to go. People with learning disabilities face significant challenges in the public eye.
My advice to other people with a learning disability is to concentrate and focus on the things that matter. Your disability doesn't prevent you from doing well, so don't feel regret for the things it might interfere with because their might be skills out there that you didn't even know you had. Don't become disabled in spirit too.