The Word

Mental Retardation, mentally retarded andin polite conversation. Even in professional/medical
retarded are words and phrases that conjure upcircles where MR level is important for allocating
intense, negative emotional charged responsesservices to an individual, the term DD is much
and are viewed as being extremely derogatory inpreferred when talking about someone.
nature and often as not used in an insultingOther kinder, gentler words are handicapped and
manner towards just that end.disabled. These words are even further from the
Yet the term "Mental Retardation" (MR) whenactual descriptive words MR, but are still easier to
used appropriately is an appropriate diagnosis of asay in public areas. Face it, no one wants to be
person's cognitive functioning level. Formal MRcalled what could be considered derogatory
Levels range from: Profound to Severe,names. Unfortunately our language is so limited
Moderate, Mild, and Borderline.and limiting. The words MR, DD, handicapped, and
Diagnostically, MR is a potent word, whichdisabled are all self limiting words. And yes, words
provides for services from Regional Center,can hurt beyond what a person might think,
without cost. Regional Center provides for eachparticularly to the individuals affected and their
client the service coordinator, allocates andloved ones. Perhaps, these words need to be
requests residential living placement and daykept in strict context to the situation. Regional
programs, and other services all of which areCenter prefers the term Developmentally Disabled
gratis, based on this diagnosis. The diagnosis ofand so do I. The term Mental Retardation should
MR also provides for Social Security Disabilitybe reserved for only those times when MR level
monies (SSI) and medical services. Furthermore, ais to be considered for services.
person who obtains the diagnosis can receiveThen, what do we say? It often depends on a
special treatment if adversely involved in the legalpersonal point of view or relationship to the
system. People who have MR are less responsibleperson with MR as to what words are best for
for their actions because they may not knowthe situation. When talking as a professional to
what they are doing.individuals and family members, I prefer to avoid
The true stigma associated with the wordsany excess usage of labels at all. In my
"Mental Retardation" is the immediate impressionexperience I have been most comfortable talking
that comes into people's minds when the word isabout what a person can do or could do, given
used.time, resources and training. I personally have
It is by far easier to say that a person hasseen individuals grow and develop cognitively far
"Developmental Disabilities" (DD) instead of MR. DDbeyond the labels they were once given.
is a softer, gentler term that is often used whenAll people learn and grow throughout their lives. No
describing someone who has MR in his/hermatter what age or intelligence level, each of us
diagnosis. DD also refers to a range of disabilitiescontinues to bring knowledge into our minds, filled
stemming from one of many possible forms ofwith new ideas and increasing information. And in
developmental delay that have become evidentturn we contribute and participate more than we
enough by the time the individual turned 18 yearscould ever do before. For example not so long
old.ago, hardly anyone understood how to use
Most people would, by far, rather use the wordscomputers or was able to surf the net. Now it is
Developmentally Disabled than Mentally Retardedcommon place. As we learn and grow, so does
when referring to an individual with any of thethe population of individuals we serve and learn
included conditions because it is more appropriatewith.