The R-Word: The Battle to End an Ugly Slur

We applaud this mission and will contiue to do our part in helping stop the R-Word!

DETROIT -- It's a slur just like any other. It hurts, and yet many, including some sports heroes and musical artists, think it's somehow OK to include it in their conversations.

The word is "retard" (or "retarded") -- otherwise known as the R-word. And it's the subject of a wide-reaching campaign to educate folks about how the use of the word can cause great pain.

"Not Acceptable," a public service announcement created by Spread the Word to End the Word, aired during the finale of Fox's hit series "Glee." Some news sources referred to the announcement, which uses uncensored slurs, as "shocking."

17 Wishes from an Adult with Autism

Another illuminating blog entry by the San Fransisco Chrnoicle City Brights' Laura Shumaker with recent Seton Hall graduate and adult with autism Kerry Magro.

SAN FRANSISCO- A thought provoking list from my friend Kerry Magro:

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1. I wish that acceptance was easier to come by

2. I wish that loving one another was always on our mind

3. I wish that an "early diagnosis" remains a high priority

4. I wish that people would stop calling autism a disease

5. I wish that communication becomes easier for everyone with autism. We are trying.

6. I wish that we find more treatments to enhance the lives of people with autism

7. I wish that insurance for autism gets passed in all 50 states

8. I wish that the government would understand the need for services for the autistic in schools

9. I wish that autistic individuals can one day live their lives independently

NBA Helps Spread Word to End the Word

Words are powerful things. They can be helpful or hurtful, inspiring or disheartening. And sometimes, powerful beyond what we can expect.
"Spread the Word to End the Word" is a Special Olympics campaign to eliminate use of the words "retard" and "retarded." Its goals are to promote the contributions made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to educate the public about the damaging effects of the "R-word."
The movement to eliminate the R-word began in 2004 by the Special Olympics and its international board of directors.
The NBA has a longstanding partnership with the Special Olympics, which includes sponsorships of basketball tournaments, the creation of public service announcements and NBA player participation in Special Olympic events. Several NBA players, including Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, have signed up to be a part of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.