2018-0060
Title
Proclamation: "Art of Respect Month"
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the words "retard" and "retarded"; and,
WHEREAS, it is time to address the slur "retard(ed)" and raise the consciousness of society to its hurtful effects; and,
WHEREAS, the Art of Respect Program is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and their supporters South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority, Bayouland Families Helping Families, Terrebonne ARC, Assumption ARC, St. Charles ARC, St. Mary ARC (The Center), Lafourche ARC, Special Education District #1 (The Center), St. John ARC and St. James ARC to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)" and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word; and,
WHEREAS, the campaign, created by youth and adults with and without developmental disabilities, is intended to engage schools, organizations, and communities to reflect on what the words "acceptance", "inclusion", "unity", "friendship", and "respect" mean to them and to pledge their support at the event and at www.r-word.org; and,
WHEREAS, during the month of March 2018, the ART of Respect awareness events will be devoted to educating and raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have in our communities and why the use of the R-word is hurtful, even in casual conversation; and,
WHEREAS, this year's theme for the Art of Respect event is "See Me for Me" which serves to highlight the positive aspects of the developmentally disabled individual and to end the stigma surrounding those who are different with an emphasis on what we can do to help remove the barriers placed upon them by society.
NOW,...
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