resources

Taking the MR out of MRDD

Members of Empowered People Reaching Out, an advocacy group in Butler County, sent letters to Gov. Strickland and Senator Stewart. They also produced a video that includes personal stories about the R Word. It's called "Take the MR out of MRDD," and you can view it at the group's website:
www.butlerepro.com

With their help and many others's voices, it seems like the R might be coming out of MRDD.

Ohio Senate Bill 70, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Stewart of Athens,
Ohio, calls for the elimination of the words "Mental Retardation" at both the state department and county board levels – which is VERY exciting news (Finally here in Ohio!) One recommendation is that the new name be called "Developmental Disabilities Services" at both the state and county level.

We would like if people who receive services, their families, friends,
colleagues and allies – all write a personal letter of support to both the Governor and the Senator.

A short, personal story about getting rid of the official use of the "R-word" would no doubt have great impact.

Here are the addresses:

The Honorable Ted Strickland
Governor's Office
Riffe Center, 30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6108

Senator Jimmy Stewart
Senate Building
Room #040, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone: 614/466-8076
Email: SD20@senate.state.oh.us