That’s so “retarded.” You’re such a “retard.” Retard… one of the few words that physically hurts me when I hear it. My heart aches; my stomach clenches; my eyes sting. It always takes a beat before it registers; did someone really just say that? As a special educator, I especially hated that word. Then 8 years ago, it became personal.
Nearly 2,000 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world, will participate in the event July 19-21 at Indiana University in Bloomington. The conference will prepare the organization’s students leaders to be strong, passionate forerunners as they promote the mission of Best Buddies in their local schools and communities and inspire the world one person at a time.
Best Buddies Family Support provides families with essential resources to navigate raising a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).