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Words Can Be Very Hurtful

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 28, 2008

I was so pleased to read Luis Viera's "No Excuse For The R-Word" (Other Views, Aug. 22). As the parent of a developmentally disabled adult, I find this word very offensive. As parents, we know our child is not "normal" and so does the child. My son has always maintained he is not "retarded;" he just can't do everything. He attends a great program at MacDonald Training Center, has his own apartment, with help, and goes to work every day.

As a parent I have spent enormous time, energy and emotions helping him reach this independence and self-esteem. We do not want this damaged by this r-word. Every time I hear this, it just makes me cringe and want to reach out and admonish the person using it. Thank you to Luis Viera.

BETTY BEAUCHAINE

Tampa

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