Last spring I wrote an article about LEAP —Life Enrichment Advancing People Inc. I told you about the wonderful work this group does for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities in Western Maine. In meeting with Rick Dorian, the Executive Director, I realized how fortunate I was and also began the uncomfortable discussion on how I refer to his consumers. Rick had invited me to a recognition “celebration” to eliminate the “r” word.

The “r” word you ask? The word is “retarded.” How often is this word used in our everyday conversation? We mean no harm by using it, yet we do not realize the profound effect it might have on people who have been given this “label.” I never thought the use of this word was hurtful.

In reviewing the “r” word campaign site I found this statement. “Some people have mental retardation (intellectual disabilities). While mental retardation is not a bad word, when used to describe someone or something you think is bad or stupid, it becomes another thoughtless and hurtful word. People with intellectual disabilities are not bad. Their condition is not bad. The prejudice and discrimination to people with intellectual disabilities is BAD… and WRONG! Please stop using the “r” word. It hurts individuals and families of those with disabilities.” What a powerful statement!

I learned people with disabilities are PEOPLE. They have special abilities, interests and needs. The Maine Development Disabilities council’s publication “Put People First” coins the term “people first language.” This effort puts the person first in thought and word and emphasizes abilities and not limitations. They offered “10 Commandments of Communicating with People having disabilities.” (All of them can be found in the publication identified previously.)
1. Speak directly to the person using a normal
tone of voice.
2. Offer to shake hands.
3. Treat adults as adults.
4. Listen attentively.
5. Place your self at eye level when speaking
with someone seated or in a wheel chair, and
6. Relax!

Actually this is good advice for everyday life.

It also bears noting that LEAP will soon be celebrating its’ 30th anniversary. This organization started out as one program serving six people on Anson Street in Farmington with a handful of staff. Today LEAP has an annual budget of nearly $5.3 million, a staff of nearly 170 staff members and supports nearly 100 people with disabilities, their families and friends in Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin and Somerset counties. The supports and services have greatly evolved since its’ doors first opened.

LEAP’s mission is focused on providing people with disabilities tools and resources to have the best health, to increase communication and to have the most experiences of joy in their lives as possible. Its’ services and supports are individualized and designed to build independence, choice and opportunity. You can find a great deal of information on LEAP and its’ services online at www.leapcommunity.org or by calling 778-3443.

This past spring I signed on to take the pledge to stop using the “r” word: “I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.”

I challenge you to join me in pledging to use more inclusive and people first language and to consider how we all can be better neighbors to those around us who may have different abilities as wells as disabilities.

As always it is my pleasure to represent the people of District 90. If you have questions about this or anything that I can help with call me at 645-3420 or email me at drtom16@hotmail.com.

Tom Saviello of Wilton represents House District 90: the towns of Avon, New Vineyard, Phillips, Strong, Temple and Wilton, plus the unorganized territories of East Central Franklin and Perkins and Washington townships.