For the past 10 years, today has been set aside to encourage everyone to Take the Pledge to End the use of R-word. The R-word is not Rachel. It is not respect. It is retard. We have been active in this campaign and not because it is politically correct but because it affords people who have intellectual disabilities, people like Rachel, the dignity and respect they deserve. One of my better blogs, in my humble opinion, Dissing Rachel goes into great detail about this very subject. You should take a look.
This year, Spread the Word has has changed their look but not their commitment to respect and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This year the message has shifted to a “global engagement campaign to increase inclusion amongst people with and without developmental disabilities through grassroots action. In schools, workplaces, and communities around the world, local leaders are taking a pledge to create socially inclusive places to learn, work, and live.”
I really love this because I believe in inclusion. In the almost 20 years since Rachel was born, I have dedicated myself to working to make our communities a more inclusive place. Yes, my focus is usually on those with intellectual or other types of disabilities.
One of the main reasons I blog is to equip people with some ideas on making inclusion work. So today instead of espousing ivory tower theory and pretty words, I am just going to point you to a few of my favorite SassySouthernGal blogs on inclusion. I’m hoping that you will see something as a parent, educator, doctor, nurse, attorney, mom, dad, or human being that screams – I need to take the pledge to include others and this is how I’ll do it.
My favorite blog about inclusion is “Shakespeare and that Inclusion Thing.” Inclusion in the school system gets harder as our children with intellectual disabilities get older. It’s just the way it is. But the benefits for everyone are so important. It’s not just in learning about Shakespeare or Atticus Finch or being stuck in a room to say someone was included. You learn important life skills like conversation, team work, and manners.
For all the fears middle school affords, I give you Three Stories of Learning and Inclusion. Concrete examples of the outcomes of inclusion in middle school.
I never get tired of the story of George. Clearly, my reader and those who come to hear me speak never tire of the story either because it is the most requested story I tell! Grab your box of tissues and take a read. All the way back to kindergarten we go. The Power of Inclusion
My last two favorites are more recent. One is about Rachel’s job at Olive Garden. Actually, it’s from another mom. I have long believe that Rachel just living her life has a huge impact on others especially families of children with Down syndrome or other disabilities who are looking for role models. Heck, we are all in need of good role models. Joy said, “As I left Olive Garden, my heart was full and my worry a little less. I felt optimistic and hopeful for the possible employment opportunities for Ella.” Employment: The Promise of a More Inclusive Tomorrow is also about an employer who is doing it right.
And my last is not my blog but an article that I shared earlier this year. Rachel started college at Missouri State University in January. Overall, it has gone well. There have been some bumps. If she didn’t have Down syndrome there would be bumps and maybe big speed bumps. I don’t know. I’ll never know. What I do know is that it feels good to be able to say, “Rachel is in college. There have been some bumps.” She’s there. She’s included. Twenty years ago that was not a reality. MSU Program Opens Doors to Students with Disabilities/
Today, is the day. Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you do- it’s time to include others in school, in the workplace, in church, in the community, in your life. Let’s stop talking about the ways it won’t work and focus on the ways we can make it work. That’s what Olive Garden, Missouri State University, Rachel’s English teacher, biology teacher, kindergarten teacher, worship minister, volleyball friends – have done.
Wouldn’t you agree, we can all do our part?
So straight form the Spread the Word Inclusion Global website:
- Our belief is that the world would be better if all people were valued, respected, embraced, included. Included in the games we play and the friends we make. Included in our schools, our workplaces, and our communities.
- Our observation is that despite the best efforts of many, groups around the world remain left out, excluded, and isolated. One of these groups is people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a group made of more than 200 million people, representing every country, belief system, sexual orientation, gender expression, race, and ethnicity. Globally, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to be excluded and isolated from their non-disabled peers in schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Our goal is to disrupt this cycle of isolation and exclusion with grassroots action for inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities around the world.
Join me. Join Rachel. Join millions around the globe and take the pledge.
