People with cognitive disabilities would like the rest of us to stop using "the r-word." Kelly Kloepping with Special Olympics Wisconsin says President Obama's Tonight Show slipup was more than just a teachable moment – it also drew attention to a national effort.
"What seems like a simple slip from the lips of our president is exactly what our upcoming r-word campaign is all about," Kloepping says. "Spread the Word to End the Word" is the theme of the campaign , which officially kicks off next Tuesday. "People of all ages deliberately use "the r-word" – retard – to hurt others."
"It's a long term campaign," says Kloepping, who is remaining realistic about what can be achieved. "Certainly we'd like to end use of the word retard. I don't know how easy that's going to be. I think if anything, we just want to really raise awareness, that people need to think a little bit before they speak."
