Difference Maker: Guest Submission from Jason Gieschen, Special Olympics International Global Messenger and Athlete

50 years ago, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started Special Olympics. She came to our world and looked at us with dignity. She saw our abilities. She knew that just because we learned differently, we still had feelings. She gave us a chance. She changed the world.

Now, Special Olympics, continues to make a difference with the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. This campaign is 10 years old. We ask and encourage everyone to sign the pledge to end the word. Have you heard about it? If you have, then we have been doing something right. If not, then we have more work to do. What is this word that we need to end? The word is “retard” or “retarded.” Like many others, I have been a target of this word. “Hey, retard!” or “You’re retarded.” Or when it was not directed at me but to some action, like “That is so retarded” is very hurtful. I don’t like writing the word. I don’t like hearing the word. I don’t even like saying the word when I am explaining to others how offensive it is. If you have ever been bullied, abused, or hurt by someone, then you understand how certain words remind you of those sad memories. Over time, the hurt will heal but who can know what scars remain?

Mental retardation is not a derogatory term but a medical diagnosis referring to people with an intellectual disability. It later morphed into the slang word of “retard” by many mean-spirited people who thought they were being funny. That slang word was and is used to put people down. It is not funny. It is name calling. It is ugly. It is sad. It became so repulsive that the government passed legislation to strike it from official documents and replace it with the term intellectual disability.

That change was a big step in making a difference. I wear a bracelet that says, “Difference maker, today is the day, I am the one.” You can make a difference too. You can choose to sign the pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word. Choose the other R-word — Respect. I invite you to come to our world. I invite you to sign the pledge. I invite you to be a difference maker. Today is your day. You are the one.

Jason Gieschen

Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger

Special Olympics Athlete

If you have a story, video, photo, poem, essay, guide, dance, (or anything else) to share with the world, follow the three easy steps in this link or publish your story on Medium and email it to spalumbo@specialolympics.org. If you prefer, you could also put your story into a word document, let us know whether you would like it published under your name or anonymously, and email it to spalumbo@specialolympics.org.

Pledge your support to end the R-Word here.