“When you say the "R" word it makes people feel bad and it hurts my feelings and I don't want to hear you guys say it. Instead, you can call me a leader, a hero, or a human being, but please don't call me the "R" word.” – Dony Knight, Special Olympics Oregon athlete

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. When people think of what they should be aware of, the word "retarded" comes to mind. This word breaks the hearts of those who live with and love people with disabilities. Retarded is not a nice word.

Some defend themselves immediately after saying the word by saying, "I didn't really mean it" or, "I was just kidding." People treat it like it is just another word, but it is NOT just another word.

Retarded; adj.