Isabelle Pisani University of Portland School of Nursing, Senior How do you encourage people to honor the uniqueness of each individual? How do you challenge stereotypes and promote sensitivity and inclusion? “That’s so retarded” has, unfortunately, become a common phrase when referring to something that is considered dumb, stupid, or lame. Intellectual disability, also less commonly called ‘mental retardation,’ is defined by a below average intellectual, cognitive or adaptive functioning. Because of the exclusion and stereotypes connected with the disabled population, the use of the “R” word as an insult has continued within popular culture. It is quite clear that the use of the word “retarded” with the intent to degrade someone simultaneously offends a marginalized group of people who are unique, influential, and most importantly, human. Based on my personal experiences, I have dedicated myself to honoring the uniqueness of each individual and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities. Let me give you a little background: Mike is a 28 year old part time student who volunteers at the SPCA, works one day a week at a local goat farm, and has Down’s syndrome. Mike is also my older brother. I write this in honor of Mike in addition to all his friends and acquaintances that I have been fortunate enough to meet over the years. I write this to encourage the reader to stand up for the disabled community whenever someone makes the choice to use the word ‘retarded.’ I write this to encourage people to honor the disabled community and all the blessings and differences that they bring into this world. Specifically, when someone chooses to use the “R” word, I speak up for not only my brother, but for the rest of the individuals like him. It is important to recognize and promote inclusion for this group of people, and also respect them despite their physical and mental limitations. I educate people who use the word about what it actually means, and explain that people might take offense with the use of that word in a degrading manner. Not only that, but I like to share with them how healthy Mike is, what he does, and how he has influenced my life so greatly. By providing a human element or connection to a word that has been used so carelessly in recent times, we can promote inclusion and influence change within our culture. In addition to promoting inclusion, I also aim to promote sensitivity to this community and challenge the stereotypes related to the disabled. I find that most of the exclusion and stereotyping surrounding the disabled stems from an lack of awareness of the community itself. In order to change this, it is incredibly important to educate people on different disabilities, and most importantly, explain how those with disabilities can live a “normal” life. Through education, sensitivity will be promoted and can help people challenge any preconceived ideas they have regarding the disabled population. Additionally, education about the disabled community can discourage use of the “R” Isabelle Pisani University of Portland School of Nursing, Senior word in an offensive way, since people may become more sensitive to those affected by it. I share my personal story regarding my brother and write about the use of the word “retarded” because with the inappropriate use of this word inherently degrades an already marginalized and unique population. I believe we can promote sensitivity to the disabled by challenging and educating those who use it. We should honor the uniqueness of each individual, whether they are disabled or not, by choosing our words wisely and being aware of their meaning and impact. By bringing to light the importance of not using the “R” word, I hope to honor those with disabilities and promote inclusion of those individuals in any way I can. With that said, I challenge everyone to be mindful of the words or slang terms they throw around in day to day life, because they may have a greater impact than originally intended. If awarded this generous scholarship, I would love to make efforts to collaborate with ASUP or CPB to help raise awareness and promote education regarding the disabled community. Whether it be through a resolution with ASUP to honor and celebrate Down’s syndrome awareness day, or show a documentary on campus about people living with disabilities, I would be honored to help promote inclusion since this topic holds a very special place in my heart.