Erase The Word

There are many things that you start to realize when becoming a mother to special needs children.

You learn all in the ins and outs of your child.

You learn how to survive from day to day.

You learn all the official terms and acronyms…..IEP, BCBA, PCA, TSS, OT, PT, self-contained, inclusion, etc.

You start to realize some things that were not even thought twice about, earlier in life.

I started to see really quick how the world views people in the special needs community. I see how the world treats the special needs community.

I have felt the pain of not being accepted or understood. It was like I was in my child’s shoes from day to day.

Although up until this point, I did not think much about the special needs community and their daily struggles. I often feel guilty when I think about myself as a child in the school system.

I was taught to be nice and treat everyone equally. I was taught to include everyone and be friends with all.

I clearly remember some kids who seemed different. Kids who had trouble communicating, had glasses, or were a little slower in class. Those kids were not treated the same. My peers would not include them and call them names.

I did not always stick up for those kids who were not included. I should have done more.

I was bullied myself as a child, at different times for being overweight.

I knew what it felt like to not be included.

These different kids were called “weird, freak, strange, different” and the worst of all….the R word.

This seems to be the word of choice when the bullying happens. It also seems to be a word that people just throw around carelessly in conversations with friends and family.

No one really thinks about the impact of our words. Words cut like a thousand knives. They make wounds that may never heal or become erased from the victim’s memory.

I’ve grown since my younger years. I’ve been thrown face first into the special needs community. I had an awakening, and I will never stand down again

I will not stand for someone calling others the R word or the other words of choice.

It is not acceptable.

These are humans who have real feelings. They deserve to be INCLUDED and treated with RESPECT.

God created them in his eyes to be special in their own way…..just as he created you.

I’m asking you to join me in the movement to be better people.

To love and treat others, the way you want to be treated.

Let’s erase the R word and all those horrible names from our vocabulary.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE!

Written by, Mandi Geiman

My name is Mandi Geiman.  I am a mom to 3 beautiful girls.  Two of them have a rare genetic syndrome.  As a mom, teacher, and blogger….my goal is to advocate for the special needs community and educate others to help create a more inclusive world.  You can follow us on Facebook Pitt-fully Strong: A Sister Journey or on Instagram pittfullystrong.

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.