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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!
33 Third Graders “Walk In My Shoes” at Stansberry Elementary School
Jan. 15, 2015 A Big Thank You to Mrs. Bush and her 3rd grade class at
Stansberry Elementary School in Loveland, Colorado
Nick Roussos presented “Walk in My Shoes”, his disability awareness workshop, to 33 eager and active 3rd graders. Nick, and assistants Audrey and Sue, had a great time interacting with the students as they learned how to use a wheelchair and try out a communication device. We also had a discussion about Disability Etiquette which is: Good manners in our actions and speech with people who have a disability. This was a large class, but they were very respectful and attentive. Thank you for being such great participants!
Nick told them, “I hope that I can open your eyes today, and give you a perspective on what a person who is differently abled can achieve. Remember, people with special needs are just the same as you. Everyone has something that makes them feel different than others; shyness, clumsy or uncoordinated, too tall, too short, too thin, too heavy, language differences, color of skin, etc. We shouldn’t treat anyone different than we would like to be treated.
The words and actions you chose can really affect the people who hear them. We all live in one community, one world, and we can make it better for everyone if we show each other the same amount of respect that we expect for ourselves and our loved ones.
I challenge you to leave here with a new perspective that is two fold; first, do not limit yourself. You are capable of amazing and great things- nothing can stop you from pursuing your dreams. And second, do not place limitations on others especially those who are differently abled. When allowed to soar, you will be surprised how far a person, even one faced with great challenges such as myself, can go.
Remember Life is Awesome!”
Nick Roussos is the author of Helping in Action, a children’s adventure based on his childhood as a boy with cerebral palsy, growing up in Africa. He conducts workshops, in Northern Colorado, for any age group on the topics of disability awareness, anti-bullying, and self-esteem. Please email with interest in a presentation at your school or service organization!: nick@totalspeed.com
Awesome in Action, Co 