Category Archives: Spread the Word
Dude, the Fun is Just the Same!!
I like to do many activities that other able-bodied people do, it may look a little different and take a bit more support; but I have just as much fun as you.
One thing that can stop me in my tracks, though, is one little word that begins with the letter “R.”. The word “retard” is a hurtful word that means more than what many think it does. It’s not a light word to be thrown about among friends. It is a word that carries a lot of weight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUB1az40gUM
Just like anyone else, I don’t like to be labeled or referred to as anything less than the person who I am. When I hear the word, “Retard,” it makes me feel sad and hurt. It makes me feel like my power has been taken away; like I cannot do all of the things that I would like to. It makes me feel angry and resentful of the people that use it with such carelessness.
I don’t like to feel all of these negative emotions. I like to be positive and try my best. I like to believe we are only limited by our own imaginations. I like to think that if others truly understood the impact the word “retard” can have, they would stop using it, Completely; and not just brush away the concerns of the differently-abled by explaining they “didn’t mean it in that way.”
To all of those who use the r-word regularly,I have one simple request:
Think before you speak.
We all live in one community, one world, and we can make it better if we show each other the same amount of respect that we expect for ourselves and our loved ones. We all need to be aware of the power the words we chose to use can have.
Spread the Word to End the Word!
Walk in My Shoes and other Workshops
Spread the Word to End the Word, Fort Collins High, Spring 2014
Nick Roussos, author and inspirational public speaker, is available to come to your classroom, school, group, scout group, or service club. He is prepared to present in several venues and to a variety of ages. You may email him to reserve your date for 2015-2016. nick@totalspeed.com
Watch this short video that introduces Nick!
Important Note: Nick is able to offer his presentation free with a minimum sale of books, or a modest flat fee dependent on presentation content and audience size. Nick will take pre-orders, as well as offer his book for sale following the formal presentation. Do ask us how you and Nick can partner for a fundraising event, such as a PTO fundraiser.
Presentations and Workshops
1. Spread the Word to End the Word – Good for any age group elementary- high school. 45 min.The R-word is the word ‘retard(ed)’. The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It’s offensive. It’s derogatory. This campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Questions following the formal presentation are always encouraged.
2. Walk in My Shoes – Disability education and awareness. Good for any age group, especially older elementary-high school; 1 hour group size dependent. This workshop includes experiencing a simple obstacle course while sitting in a wheelchair, learning disability etiquette, and using a communication device to speak to another.Questions following the formal presentation are always encouraged.
3. Story Time with Nick – Good especially for preschool-early readers and special needs groups. 30 min. Nick can come and read his book, Helping in Action, with the aide of his communication device. Helping in Action is an awesome adventure about a boy in Africa who realizes he is capable of being a hero when he finds a baby lion in need of help. This program is mutually beneficial; Nick gets to share his story, and your group has the opportunity to witness someone speak in a different manner and move in a different way. His story helps children understand that disabilities do not stop a person from helping, or having a full and happy life. Questions following the formal presentation are always encouraged.
4. Why Try? (If Nick Can Do It You Can Do It) – Great for middle elementary school-adults and special needs groups. 30-60 minutes. An inspirational and motivational presentation. Nick offers a unique view of being and doing in the world. He has not let his circumstances define who he is, what he does, or his happiness. With the support and love of family and caregivers, Nick has experienced more than a lot of people including; writing and publishing a book, running in marathons, snow skiing, water skiing, horse back riding, zip line, white water rafting and kayaking. He also loves music, musicals, symphony and theater. Children as well as adults will leave this presentation with a new appreciation of their own abilities and talents. Questions following this multimedia presentation are always encouraged. 5.
Customized Presentation – Please contact us to discuss. We are very open to creating a workshop or presentation that is just right for your group. nick@totalspeed.com
Nick is the recipient of several awards and recognitions including; Speaker at TEDx Front Range June 13, 2015, Lululemon Young Entrepreneur of Inspiration, 2104; Kyle Frohne Award for Excellence in Employment, 2014; ARC of Larimer County Volunteer of the Year, 2014.
Presentation to Mosiac Staff in Fort Collins, CO August 2014
Awesome in Action, Co 