Disability Rights Washington (DRW) and The Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds (DDO) condemn Senator Christian’s recent use [2] of the R word during the floor debate on HB 1390, a bill to eliminate the Community Protection Program (CPP). We are outraged that instead of learning about the importance of eliminating this program [3], Senator Christian demonstrated a gross misunderstanding of the bill while using a harmful slur to diminish people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We support self-advocates in their efforts [4] to raise attention to the impact of the word spoken on the Senate floor and have signed on to this letter [5] to Leadership of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
If you would like to learn more about respectful language, please check out these Rooted in Rights [6] blogs:
My Journey to Rejecting Ableism and Embracing Disability Identity [7] [7]by Susan Reynolds.
If You’re Writing About Disability, You Need to Read These Guidelines [8] [8]by Alaina Leary.
Here’s Some Free Advice for Presidential Candidates on How to Talk About Disability [9] by Andrew Pulrang.