Emanuel’s language angers advocates

PARKERSBURG - Local and state advocates for those with disabilities were "outraged" after learning of reports that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel reportedly used an epithet relating to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"It's both shocking and disappointing," said officials with The Arc of the United States. According to a Wall Street Journal story, "Some attendees said they were planning to air ads attacking conservative Democrats who were balking at Mr. Obama's health-care overhaul. 'F-ing retarded,' Mr. Emanuel scolded the group, according to several participants."

"I find the entire situation absolutely unbelievable. I am sickened by this. What do we have to do to ensure that it will not be condoned and that it is never appropriate to use this term as a slur on any level," said Christina Smith, executive director of The Arc of Wood County.

"I was shocked this type of language, in general, is condoned at any level, aside from the obvious disrespect it shows to the individuals in the community who have disabilities, for those individuals, it broke my heart," Smith said. "I have a child with Down Syndrome and I work with thousands of individuals across the state who have intellectual and cognitive disabilities, using such language is hurtful and demeaning and should not be tolerated," she said. "It continues to be accepted as slang, as a way to refer, negatively, and it has to stop."

Smith said legislation is being proposed on both the national and state levels that would remove the terms "mental retardation" from all federal and state code.

"During a recent meeting with legislators, we met with (Delegate) John Ellem who is going to introduce a bill that would remove those phrases from all West Virginia code," Smith said.

The federal law, called Rosa's Law, that is being considered in the U.S. Senate would replace the term "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" with "intellectual disability" and "individual with an intellectual disability" in federal health, education and labor laws and programs.

"We are moving forward in some respects, but the use of this type of hateful language continues to send the wrong message, it continues to be used to make fun of people, it's disrespectful," Smith said.

"Using a slur about people with intellectual disabilities to criticize other people just isn't right," said Peter V. Berns, chief executive officer of The Arc of the United States. "For people with disabilities it is disrespectful and demeaning and only serves to marginalize a constituency that already struggles for empowerment on every front."

"The more than seven million individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families demand an apology for Mr. Emanuel's use of language that denigrates our constituency. The White House needs to lead by example and demonstrate through words and actions that it is not acceptable to use people with disabilities as a source for ridicule. To condone this language is to deny opportunities for people with disabilities in the workplace, in the community, in school, and in every other quarter of society," officials with The Arc of the United States said in a press release.