[Kids Together email newsletter] August 2008
- From: "Kids Together" <staff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <ktnewsletter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:16:22 -0400
Kids Together Email Newsletter
"promoting inclusive communities where all people belong"
AugUst 2008 Newsletter
This list consists of over 3000 people (and growing!)
Suggestions for newsletter items are welcome!
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their
echoes are truly endless."
~ Mother Teresa ~
Calling People "Retard" and Other "Hate Language"
By Colleen F. Tomko
By now most have heard the controversy around Ben Stiller's
movie "Tropic Thunder." Like many other Hollywood movies and media portrayals,
it promotes a false negative stereotype of people with disabilities and
inappropriate devaluing language. In a warped way, by crossing far over the
line, it has helped bring awareness to an important issue and has created a
larger discussion that has been long overdue. Creators initially chose to
highlight an inappropriate subplot of the movie in previews and planned a mock
website out of context. This pushed the idea of using people with disabilities
to get a laugh way too far. The repeated use of the word "retard" and the
extreme negative stereotype claimed only to be satire in the name of laughs,
has motivated self advocates, families and friends of people with disabilities
to speak out against this type of hateful expression.
When people fail to address jokes, stereotypes or
disparagements based on differences (ex: race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual
preference, gender, abilities, appearances) they are participating in a growing
culture of intolerance and hate, which underlies violence. Hate language is
used by people who believe there is little wrong with their words or actions,
and who often say they "didn't mean anything by it." Many who use hate language
don't believe they are prejudice. That doesn't make the slurs they use any less
hurtful, insulting, offensive or dehumanizing. The use of slurs toward a group,
whether intended to be harmful or not, fuels a culture of hate, discrimination
and violence. Yes words matter.
Are boycotts the answer? Those supporting people with
disabilities are looking to take action. Some are choosing to use boycotts,
which may only fan the fire and fail to educate the larger society. Boycotts of
the film have led to greater movie publicity and ignorant jokes about the
people boycotting. Boycotts of other businesses such as Cafepress, which hosts
individual store owners, are aimed at stopping the hate language printed on
products. This does little to educate society about tolerance, acceptance and
understanding, and also has a negative effect on stores such as "The Parent
Side" that sells products promoting acceptance and diversity.
Hate will not stop because it is policed more, or because
it is less seen or heard in public. It will stop when people seek ways to build
relationships and take the time to talk and educate others. While Americans are
guaranteed freedom of speech, hate language must be confronted and discussed so
there is a greater understanding of the issue and the harm it does. The goal is
not to silence speech, but to promote tolerance and understanding. Now is time,
when the issue is in the forefront, to continue and push the discussion. It is
the time to focus on changing the underlying assumptions and influences and to
educate others on the need to stop using words such as "retard," for the right
reasons. Make a real lasting difference and promote acceptance. Write letters
to the editor, post in blogs, comment on websites, discuss issues at social
meetings, write to the media and businesses, talk to children, educate others
about people with disabilities, and keep the discussion and education going.
Yes condemn hate, but do so by teaching tolerance.
------------------------------------------------------------
101 Tools for Tolerance
Simple Ideas For Promoting Equity And Celebrating Diversity
Tolerance.org
http://www.tolerance.org/101_tools/101_tools.pdf
Hate can only be conquered by ordinary people willing to
promote tolerance. You may already be one of them. The ideas in this guide will
help foster tolerance in yourself, your family, your schools, your workplace
and your community. Some of the ideas are things to do. Some are things to
think about. Some are things to remember. But a word of caution is in order:
This booklet is not a sure-fire recipe for making the world a better place.
These ideas are only some of the possibilities. The best ideas are those that
work for you and your community.
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Be an Includer
16 Things You Can Do to Make a Difference!
Kids Together
http://www.kidstogether.org/beanincluder.htm
Let's be heard! Do something! Every effort leads to change.
This is a process not a once and done event. Keep your efforts going and
encourage others in the community to join you! This webpage list things you can
do to make a difference, and it provides many links to resources.
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People First Language
Disability is Natural
Kathy Snow
http://ftp.disabilityisnatural.com/documents/PFL8.pdf (4
page pdf)
The People First Language article by Kathie Snow-first
written in 1991, updated regularly, and distributed widely-is considered by
many to be the clearest, simplest, and most comprehensive article on the power
of language. Individuals, schools, and organizations across the country and
around the world use this article to teach others the importance of using
respectful and dignified words. Visit the "Disability is Natural" website as a
source for thought-provoking articles, products to promote new ways of
thinking, and more! http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
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I'm Tyler
Must see video!
http://www.imtyler.org/
This video is created by a high school student for his
Eagle Scout project. You can view the video on-line or order a copy on DVD. Its
about 10 minutes long, but is a very useful tool in helping to break down
stereotypes about people with disabilities. It would be terrific to show at
schools, trainings, conferences, PTA's, church meetings, or any other group
meetings. If you advocate for people with disabilities, this is a "must have"
educational tool.
"Tyler is a typical high school student who happens to have
cerebral palsy and some other challenges. He has taken on a mission to educate
the world about Ability Awareness. He believes that what a person, any person,
CAN do is much more important than what he/she can't. The people in Tyler's
life who have seen this and practiced Ability Awareness have made all the
difference in the world to him."
------------------------------------------------------------
Research Study
Families experiences seeking funding for speech generating
devices for their children
Denise Frankoff is a speech-language pathologist currently
conducting a research study to complete a Ph.D in a law and policy program at
Northeastern University in Boston. She is exploring families experiences as
they seeking funding for speech generating devices for their children, ages
3-17. A telephone interview will take 15-20 minutes It is the researcher's
hope that the information she gets from talking with parents will be valuable
to other parents, practitioners, advocates and policymakers. Contact
617.306.1763 or email djf99@xxxxxxx
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In Pennsylvania
C2P2 Inclusive Education
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1209165913195940.xml&coll=1
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is
seeking teams from the Central part of the state to apply to C2P2IE Competence
and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking, Inclusive Education program. Teams
would include a parent, regular education teacher, special education teacher,
and an administrator C2P2IE is an opportunity to learn about and promote
inclusion in your school district. Trainings are designed so participants work
in teams. Plus, all sessions feature nationally renowned speakers! No costs to
individuals. There are seven sessions starting in October 2008 - April 2009.
Applications are due by September 26. Contact Diane Perry at dperry@xxxxxxxxxx
215.204.1356 (voice/TTY) or 215.204.3031 (voice)
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The Parent Side (tm)
T-shirts, cards, magnets mugs, stickers & more!
It's a campaign for inclusion and against exclusion!
http://www.theparentside.com
About the store.
"The Parent Side" designs are created by Colleen Tomko, a
mom who is also an advocate and volunteer for years working for: system
change; inclusive education for all children; and inclusive communities.
Designs are created to provide an avenue for bringing attention to issues
people with disabilities face, to promote acceptance and understanding, and to
promote inclusion.
Many parents, professionals, advocates and self advocates
have sent thanks for providing them a means to express the things for which
they fight. The most popular products are "Celebrate Diversity" buttons,
magnets, coasters, posters and post cards, as well as "I survived an IEP" tote
bags and mugs, and the "Official LRE Destination" oval bumper sticker. There
are over 30 designs and cartoons on hundreds of products. As always, comments,
suggestions or questions are welcomed. info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Keep The Parent Side #1 in the top 100!!!!
Help keep The Parent Side #1 of the top 100 stores on the
"Fun T-shirts Top 100 Shops" website. How cool to have a disabilities rights
shop at the top! Get your family and friends to help vote! Use the this link
http://funtshirts.top-site-list.com/vote182.html or follow the link from The
Parent Side
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Resources are listed for general information purposes only
Kids Together does not endorse products, services, or
provide any legal advice
Kids Together, Inc. is an all-volunteer non-profit 501(c)3
organization
We support the belief that children with disabilities, like
all children,
have the need to be welcomed, cherished and embraced in our
communities.
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