Spreading the Word to End the Word

Spreading the Word to End the Word

<font color="#000000"><font face="Microsoft Sans Serif, sans-serif"><font size="2">It's a small word with big power. </font></font></font>
It's a small word with big power.

"A lot of people just casually throw it around, they call their friend that and for a long time students were labeled as mentally retarded," says Mellanie Myers.

Now that label has been replaced.

"The terms for students has been changed to intellectually disabled," says Myers.

These students have joined the Special Olympics cause "Meet in the Middle" with the hope the word is removed from everyday conversation.

"I don't like the word, at all" says Allen.

Because it doesn't matter if the word is directed at the disabled, the hurt carries on.

"If it's not said to them, if they hear someone else saying it, that can be offensive to them, "says Myers.

According to the dictionary, the word "retard" actually means: to delay academic progress by failure to promote.

But over time this word has taken on a completely different meaning, and it's this meaning the students at Abilene High are working hard to change.

"We want everyone to be treated equal, because everyone's different, just in different ways," says Brittany Miley.

The student put up posters asking fellow classmates to take a stand and make a difference.

In no time, hundreds of signatures filled the poster with their commitment to use another word.

"Mentally disabled, handicap, even having learning disabilities."

Because even though words won't break your bones, they will break your heart.

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