2015 NDSS Gala and Auction

Event Details:National Down Syndrome Society Gala & Auction
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Espace
635 W 42nd St
New York, NY 10036
6:30 – 10:30 PM
Festive dress and dancing shoes requested/black tie optional

At the Annual Gala & Auction, NDSS gathers together its friends and supporters to celebrate the NDSS mission, the accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome and those who contribute to the Down syndrome community. This year, NDSS has selected GLEE, Sesame Street and Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. as the Gala honorees.

A Life of Glee

by Jim Denver from NBC King 5:
BELLEVUE, Wash. - Lauren Potter is living a Glee-ful life.
The 24-year-old actress plays the role of Becky Jackson, a sassy cheerleader with Down Syndrome, on the long-running hit show that takes high school drama and puts it to music.
Potter said, "I wanted to be a cheerleader since high school but, sadly, I didn't make the team."
​​Cheer squad ambitions are one of the only things that the upbeat actress and her edgy character have in common.
"Well, to tell you the truth," Potter said, "Becky's a 'bee-otch.' Lauren is not."
But Becky and Lauren are both breaking new ground.
"Down Syndrome is kind of hard sometimes," said Potter.
As a child, Potter was mistreated at times by other kids. It's an experience she carries with her and uses as a force for good, speaking out with the help of friends like co-star Jane Lynch, who appears with Potter in an anti-bullying public service announcement.
"We have to end bullying once and for all," Potter said. "Enough is enough."
Potter travels the world, sharing that message, and her story of reaching for the stars. She recently made a stop in Bellevue to speak at an event organized by Parent Map. The admiration between the star and her fans is mutual.
Potter said, "They're beautiful, they're unique, they're whatever they are. They can live their dreams whatever those dreams are."

What a Welcome! Quantas airline staff treat Glee's Lauren Potter to a surprise serenade in the style of the show as she touches down in Australia

By Jenna Good from Daily Mail Australia:

Glee fans, or ‘Gleeks’ as they are fondly known, are used to being entertained by the singing and dancing numbers on the famous show - but on Wednesday the tables were turned on one of the series favourite actresses.

Lauren Potter, 24, who plays Becky Jackson the Cheerios co-captain, landed Down Under on her Qantas flight, she was treated to a very special performance by singers in Qantas air steward outfits.

The pint-sized star, who is currently in Australia to support and co-host e.motion21's Annual Dance Spectacular in Camberwell on Sunday, looked overwhelmed, happy and touched by the surprise serenade.

Scroll down for video 

Shocked: Glee star Lauren Potter couldn't believe her eyes as two Qantas stewards sung Vanessa Amorosi's hit song, Absolutely Everybody as they welcomed her to Australia on Wednesday

Overwhelmed: It is usually Lauren who is doing the entertaining but on this occasion she enjoyed being performed for by singers in Qantas uniforms

Glee's Lauren Potter given Aussie welcome on Qantas flight

Glee Actress Has New Role as Ambassador

Los Angeles Local News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

by Ramona Schindelheim and Araksya Karapetyan from My Fox LA:

You know her as William McKinley High’s loud-mouth “Cherrio” Becky Johnson on the FOX television show “Glee”. Now, 24-year-old Lauren Potter has a new role, one she is extremely proud of – Special Ambassador to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Lauren, who has Down Syndrome, has been involved with the Special Olympics since high school, taking part in volleyball and baseball. She says that being one of the faces of the games is more than just a job, it’s a mission to give people with disabilities a voice. “I’m so proud of myself and these athletes”, says Lauren. Her mother, Robin, tells us that “Glee” also has given a platform to people with disabilities. Lauren says her role helps her make a difference to other people with Down Syndrome. They both agree that the Special Olympics helps give “power to the athletes, giving them a chance to be champions and to be stars for that moment”.

'Glee' actress tells FHSU crowd about life

by Elizabeth Golden from the Hays Daily News:
Lauren Potter, activist and "Glee" star, has worked her entire life to overcome challenges. Born with Down's syndrome, she always dreamed of being an actress.
"There were some who said I could never do it," she said Wednesday, addressing a group of approximately 150 students at Fort Hays State University. "I was dancing before I could even walk. I always loved music."
When Potter was 18, she received a phone call from a friend in Hollywood.
"She knew about my dream," Potter said. "I would tell anyone and everyone who would listen."
The casting director was looking for a girl "who wasn't afraid to reach for the stars," Potter said. She must have Down's syndrome, but also be cute, witty and spunky.
They were looking for someone to play Becky Jackson, a cheerleader who overcomes her struggle with the disability, on the new television show "Glee."
"I had always wanted to be a cheerleader," Potter said. "And even though I tried out at my high school, I wasn't allowed to cheer. I knew I wanted this job. I also knew I had to work really hard and do a really good job."
Potter said she still loves playing the part of Becky, but it has been a hard season for the cast after losing Cory Monteith to drugs.
"This has been a sad and rough time for our 'Glee' family," she said. "We lost our dear friend. I loved Cory. He was always so sweet and had so much talent."
She now is adding drug-use to her list of causes.

Tweets from Jamie Brewer and Lauren Potter at the Golden Globes!

Tweets from Jamie Brewer (American Horror Story) and Lauren Potter (Glee) from the Golden Globes!

Jamie Brewer (@MsJamieBrewer) tweeted at 10:20 PM on Sun, Jan 12, 2014:
This was earlier on my way to the #GoldenGlobes!! Can't believe it!!! http://t.co/rc2Bp2Fuwt
(https://twitter.com/MsJamieBrewer/status/422568755550384128)

Lauren Potter (@TheLaurenPotter) tweeted at 10:48 AM on Mon, Jan 13, 2014:
I had a blast last night at the Golden Globes! I was so excited to meet Ty Burrell! #goldenglobes #glee #modernfamily http://t.co/XDP3KExqXP
(https://twitter.com/TheLaurenPotter/status/422757075408539648)

Was the Glee school shooting episode offensive to people with Down syndrome?

by Sonya Sorich from the Ledger-Enquirer
Warning: This post contains some spoilers about the April 11 episode of "Glee." If you haven't seen the show and want to avoid spoilers, stop reading now. Thanks.The April 11 episode of "Glee," which featured a high school shooting, sparked a debate on Twitter about the Fox show's treatment of a character with Down syndrome.
SPOILER ALERT: Becky, a student with Down syndrome, brought her father's gun to school. Earlier in the episode, she expressed fear about her life after high school. The gun fired accidentally and Becky's classmates don't know what really happened because cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester took the blame. As a result, Sue was fired from the school.
That's the short summary. Read Entertainment Weekly's full recap here.
Anyway, as I monitored Twitter throughout the show, I noticed a growing pool of tweets from people who shared an opinion: By making Becky the one with the gun, "Glee" reinforced a belief that people with Down syndrome aren't normal. Some sample tweets:

• "Thank you Glee for setting Down Syndrome awareness and acceptance back light years. Some people now see our kids in an even worse light." (@T21ASDMommy)
• "I shouldn't feel the need to be making the distinction to people that having Down Syndrome is not code for 'mentally unstable.' Thanks, Glee" (@KaitlynLauren14)
• "Really, #glee, I heard you had the girl with Down Syndrome become a high school gun shooter. So much for comedy, this is just sad. #rude" (@Leaayo)

Lauren Potter, the actress who plays Becky, talked to the Huffington Post about the controversy surrounding her role on the episode. The plot didn't make her appear less human, the actress suggests.
"Whether she has Down syndrome or not, it doesn't matter ... Why wouldn't it be somebody with Down syndrome because she's a kid. She's a teenager. She makes stupid decisions just like other teenagers do," she told the Huffington Post.

Actors with Down syndrome in more films, TV; 'Glee' star Lauren Potter says 'we're just like anybody else'

by Hollie McKay from Fox News:
Hollywood is looking for more actors with Down syndrome to play pivotal roles featuring characters with the developmental disability, and actors and industry experts alike say the increase in their visibility is making a big difference both on screen and off.
At least two films being released over the next few weeks feature characters with Down syndrome in pivotal roles. Vanessa Paradis’ “Café de Flore” explores the unrequited love between a mother and her young son with Down Syndrome in the socially stigmatized 1960’s Paris, while Alan Cummings’s “Any Day Now” is inspired by the true story of a gay couple who took in a teenage boy with Down Syndrome abandoned by his drug-addicted mother.
On the small screen there’s “Glee,” which features Lauren Potter, an actress with Down syndrome; Luke Zimmerman, who stars in “The Secret Life of an American Teenager”; and Jamie Brewer who plays a key role in “American Horror Story.” Hit shows “Saving Grace,” “CSI,” “Life Goes On” and “Nip/Tuck” have also recently featured characters with the disability.
“We love to see all the actors with Down syndrome in the spotlight, so everyone can witness how people with Down syndrome succeed with support and are able to pursue their dream,” Julie Cevallos, rep for the National Down Syndrome Society, told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column. “We haven’t seen this since the break out of Chris Burke, our NDSS Goodwill Ambassador, who was the star of ‘Life Goes On’ in 1989. It helps reduce the outdated stereotypes by showing beautiful, talented, communicative actors.”

Therapist Dr. Nancy Irwin concurs that the recent boom in roles for those with Down syndrome help audiences understand the disability, and shows Hollywood is trying to more accurately reflect “real” society. 
“Entertainment should reflect all of us,” Irwin said. “Not just the ‘perfect’ people.”
For Lauren Potter, who has been on the FOX hit “Glee” for four seasons, her role represents more than just an acting job.
“It feels amazing to be a role model for people with and without disabilities. I get mail from people all over the world now from people who tell me that they didn’t really understand Down syndrome, but because of me they have read about it and studied it and now they know a lot more about it,” she said. “Lots of people with little kids or babies with Down syndrome tell me they aren’t afraid of the future for their child because of what I am doing to help people understand it better.”
Potter acknowledges that opportunities for actors with the disability have grown, but says Hollywood still has a long way to go.
“(It has shifted) but not enough! I love working on ‘Glee,’ and I hope that there are more and more parts for me and other actors with Down syndrome in television and in movies so I can keep working for a long, long time,” she said. “Actors with Down syndrome are just like any other actor, they want to follow their dream to act and have great roles; not just roles that are written for people with Down syndrome, but parts that are written for any man or woman. Parts that can be played by a good actor that just happens to also have Down syndrome.”
That’s where Gail Williamson comes in. For the past two decades as the founder of the non-profit Down syndrome in Arts & Media organization, she has been actively working with studios and agencies to cast actors with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Some of the shows she has assisted with include “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” “CSI,” “ER, and “Scrubs.”

Williamson says babies born with Down syndrome are perhaps some of the youngest humans ever taught acting. “These children suddenly find themselves meeting a host of new adults (therapists) who will ‘direct’ them in reaching the milestones of babyhood,” she explained. “It’s happening, and there are more people with disabilities like Down syndrome in television and in films today.”
The increased presence of actors with Down syndrome also has a powerful impact on those who work with them. French actress Vanessa Paradis told us that her “Café de Flore” role gave her a deeper appreciation and understanding of those with developmental disabilities.
“He was so smart and charismatic, we had such a strong connection and there was so much intensity, generosity and grace,” she said of Marin Gerrier, the young actor with Down syndrome who played her son. “There is something so pure in the way he interacted with others. He is such a beautiful little boy, really quick and sharp.”
Adam Moore, SAG-AFTRA National Director of Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity, also praised the recent changes in the industry.
"Seeing someone with a disability onscreen has an unparalleled impact on the way in which audiences engage with issues of disability in every part of their off-screen lives," he said. "For so long now, the lives and experiences depicted in entertainment have been a poor reflection of the actual world in which we live, but I believe that producers and audiences alike are now demanding more truthful representations that include people with disabilities."
Potter agrees.
“People see that even though I have Down syndrome, I am just like anybody else,” she said. “People used to look away because they thought I was different than they; but now people come right up to me and talk to me, they aren’t afraid of the differences. People can watch me and say, ‘wow, she is just like any typical girl.’”

Marlborough family presents award to ‘Glee’ actress

from Wicked Local Marlborough:
Actress Lauren Potter of “Glee” was recently honored with the first-ever Samantha Marcia Stevens Family Award of Excellence in Raising Awareness.
The award was presented to the television star on stage at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) 16th annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic in Wakefield, where Potter was the special guest. Potter is best known for her supporting role on the hit show “Glee,” where she plays Becky Jackson, a teen with Down syndrome who overcomes adversity to become co-captain of the Cheerios Cheerleader squad.
Brian Stevens of Marlborough presented Potter with the award that bears his daughter’s name, in recognition of Potter’s efforts to enlighten the larger society about the abilities of people with disabilities, including Down syndrome. Samantha, who is 6 years old, has Down syndrome and other complex medical needs.
The Stevens family has been working to ensure that people like her have opportunities to lead inclusive, fulfilling lives. In his remarks to the 3,000-strong crowd at Wakefield Commons, Stevens indicated that he is committed to the cause. The Stevens family was on hand for the award presentation and participated in the walk, which raised close to $400,000 to support the programs of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Donations can still be made at mdsc.org.
Since her “Glee” debut three years ago, Potter, who herself has Down syndrome, has become the ultimate “self-advocate,” acting as a powerful spokeswoman for policies that bring equality and justice to people with Down syndrome, according to MDSC.
In November 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Potter to the Presidential Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities, which advises the White House on how to improve access to schools and jobs for people with disabilities.

Read more: Marlborough family presents award to ‘Glee’ actress - Marlborough, MA - Marlborough Enterprise http://www.wickedlocal.com/marlborough/news/lifestyle/celebrations/x1272745785/Marlborough-family-presents-award-to-Glee-actress#ixzz2B55aK9Fo

Lauren Potter and Jamie Brewer at the Emmys

from Glamour by Jessica Radloff:

How amazing is Potter as Becky on Glee? She is just as delightful and adorable in person and was so thrilled to be among her peers at the EW shindig. When I asked who she is closest to on set, Lauren told me, "Jane Lynch because we're like this (crosses her fingers to show how tight they are). But I have a crush on Mark Salling, who plays Puck! He's a cutie. I don't think he knows I [feel that way]! There should be a little Puck and Becky romance!" Mark, are you listening?
Read More http://www.glamour.com/entertainment/blogs/obsessed/2012/09/last-night-officially-kicked-o.html#ixzz27UhOeYbt

 

 

Jamie Brewer from Zimbio

 

from Socialitelife.com: The American Horror Story cast enjoyed each other’s company at the Fox Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Television And FX Emmy after party. Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Lily Rabe, Connie Britton and Jamie Brewer were all spotted hanging out with one another.

 

will Sue Sylvester's baby have Down syndrome in "Glee" season 4?

Glee Spoiler Alert!

from Wetpaint by Beth Douglass and Ryan Gajewski:
Back in Glee Season 3, Episode 15: “Big Brother,” an abnormal test result gave Sue (Jane Lynch) the shocking news that her unborn baby might potentially have Down syndrome. Nothing could be certain, though, so we still held out hope that Sue might give birth to a happy and healthy little tot.
Sadly, it seems that just won’t come to be. Jane Lynch spoke with E! Online on August 5, she shared that though Sue will have “just given birth to a beautiful baby girl” when the show returns for Season 4 this fall, the tiny infant also “has Down syndrome.”
Given the care and sensitivity Sue has displayed when working both with Becky (Lauren Potter) and with her late sister, Jean, we have no doubt that the new mother will more than rise to the occasion. Plus, can you imagine a Sue-Becky-Baby trio — how adorable will that be?

from Glee Wiki:
Sue is currently pregnant as of On My Way. In Big Brother, she finds out that her child is female and has a high risk of having Down syndrome, similar to how her sister Jean and cheerio of hers, Becky, the two people closest to her, had Down syndrome. Her baby will be born by the time season four starts

also from Glee Wiki:
In Big Brother, Becky shows up in Sue's office door, hovering without saying anything. Sue tells her that she is, in fact, interrupting. Becky tells Sue that she heard about her baby. Sue had learned earlier in the episode that there were irregularities in the test results for the baby, so she clearly assumes that is what Becky is talking about. When Becky says that she heard the baby is a girl, Sue smiles and says, "Just like you," and hugs her, thoughtfully repeating the phrase, indicating that the baby likely has Down syndrome. Becky offers up a parenting tip for Sue to work on her patience.

from teen.com:

Sue gets good — and bad — news about her unborn baby. The good news? It’s a girl, like she wanted. The bad news? She finds out that there were some “irregularities in the amnio” and that her baby has Down Syndrome like Becky. Ok, it’s not unlikely that that would happen to a woman of her age that’s pregnant — but it is unlikely that she’s even preggers in the first place. From a “celebrity” sperm donor. Puleez.

from the Washington Post by Jen Chaney:

Before moving on to the musical numbers assessment, I should probably also note that Sue Sylvester found out that her unborn baby girl likely has Down syndrome, and that she’s also still feuding with Nene Leakes, who is now co-coach of the Cheerios.

from Remington Remer:

Anyways, the ironic part...Sue Sylvester the cheerleading coach (which you would have done too to be just like your favorite Aunite) found out she was pregnant with a girl that may have Down's Syndrome. That part in the show made me smile and the reason there were no tears is because to me you would have to be lucky to have a baby with Down's Syndrome just like you. Sue Sylvester hugged one of her cheerleaders, Becky because she also has Down's. Becky told Sue the only advice she had was for Sue to be "Patient!"

from E Online by Bret Malec and Liz Calvario:

Meanwhile, Lynch also dished on what's in store of Sue Sylvester and her new baby in season four of Glee.

"Momentarily I'm nice," she said. "I've just given birth to a beautiful baby girl who has Down syndrome and her name is Robin. Which to say hearkens thoughts of spring and new beginnings and her favorite Bee Gee."

Will Becky Jackson from Glee attend College?

from Disability Scoop by Michelle Diament:
When students on Fox’s “Glee” graduated this season, many considered college. Now a Twitter campaign is calling on the show’s writers to make the same plan for a character with Down syndrome.
Using the hashtag #College4Becky, a social media push launching this week is encouraging the “Glee” writers to send Becky Jackson to college at the end of the show’s next season. Though the character is believed to be a rising high school senior, little has been said about her future...
“We want to plant a seed,” said Meg Grigal, the co-director of the group behind the campaign. “College is a real option for people with intellectual disabilities.”
Lauren Potter, 22, the actress with Down syndrome who plays Becky Jackson on “Glee,” attends Irvine Valley College in Irvine, Calif. in real life.
“I know she will love the idea (of Becky going to college) because she loves the idea that she is in college,” Potter’s mother, Robin Sinkhorn, told Disability Scoop, adding that she had not yet had an opportunity to discuss the campaign with her daughter who was traveling Monday. “It would be a great storyline.”
Potter’s character has long been a fan favorite in the disability community and the actress has not shied away from taking a stand. She’s used her platform as a “Glee” cast member to raise awareness about bullying of people with disabilities among other issues and currently serves as a member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
Officials at Fox did not respond to a request for comment about the Twitter campaign.

the open letter from Think College:
Dear Glee writers,
We think Becky Jackson is fabulous. And we'd like to ask you to send her to college.
More and more colleges across the U.S. are enrolling people with intellectual disabilities, just like Becky. Vanderbilt, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Highline Community College in Washington are just a few examples. All of Becky's friends on the show are heading off to college next year. That's something she can do too--but we haven't yet heard what her plans are after graduation.
Your show has made a huge impact on young people. Lesbian and gay teens have been inspired by Kurt Hummel to stand up to bullying. Glee is inclusive in a playful, non-preachy way. That includes Becky--both the way you write her, and how she's played by Lauren Potter.
If you make college plans for Becky, you'll be raising the expectations of all your viewers with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. You'll be helping them dream big, and know what options are out there after high school. We think that would be brilliant.
And if Sue Sylvester's baby does have a disability, she'll have a tremendous role model in Becky as she heads off to college.
Thanks for considering this idea! And thanks for all you do as writers on Glee.
With appreciation,
Meg Grigal, Ph.D.
Co-Director, Think College
Institute for Community Inclusion
University of Massachusetts Boston
meg.grigal@umb.edu

from Down Syndrome in the Arts and Media:
This is an excellent idea and could be in the works at GLEE since Becky has at least one more year of HS. But did anyone pick up the phone like a grown-up and talk to the producers first? Is the DS community becomming the bullies launching this sort of cyber campaign? There are many of us in Hollywood who advocate for many different causes. We work with producers and call on these tactics as a last resort. The next time someone has an idea and wants to talk to producers give me a call. We can set up a phone call or a meeting. I hope you don't estrange your cause because of the manner in which you took it on.

Jane Lynch honored by the National Down Syndrome Society

from Ology.com by Victoria Garcia:
Comedian Jane Lynch is a woman who fights for what she believes in. She's known for fighting for the LGBT community and supports President Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage. However, this is not the only cause that Lynch supports.
This week Lynch was honored at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Annual Spring Luncheon. The event was hosted to celebrate people with Down syndrome and those who support them. Actor Chris Burke, known for his work on the ABC show Life Goes On, was also in attendance. NDSS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
Similarly to her character Sue Sylvester on Glee, Lynch has shown support for down syndrome before and is a proud supporter of the campaign ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’. If you are unfamiliar with this powerful campaign, its main goal is to stop the everyday use of the word ‘retard’.
During the Wednesday luncheon that took place in New York City, Glee star Lauren Potter, who plays Becky on the show, also made an appearance by filming a video with Lynch in support of the campaign. Potter was unable to attend the luncheon but congratulated Lynch via video message. "The world would be a better place if more people saw beauty the way you do, and chose to recognize abilities, rather than disabilities," she said.
Congratulations to Lynch for being honored and supporting such an amazing cause! She's definitely an inspiration to all.

NDSS Spring Luncheon pictures

Jane Lynch from Glee and self advocate Diana Stolfo were honored at the NDSS Spring Luncheon today. It was an amazing event!

Durning Jane Lynch's keynote speech she mentioned a great lesson from her life experience: that she would accept whatever comes at her in life with open arms. 

Diana Stolfo was recognized with a standing ovation for her numerous accomplishments and outstanding effort as a self advocate.

NDSS honors Jane Lynch and Diana Stolfo

from the NDSS:

Join more than 250 friends and supporters on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 583 Park Avenue in New York City to celebrate the NDSS mission, the accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome and those who contribute to the Down syndrome community.

NDSS is proud to honor Jane Lynch, Emmy award winning actress, comedian and author.

NDSS will also honor Self-Advocate, Diana Stolfo, who will be presented with the Melissa Riggio Voices Award.

• Diana Stolfo, age 30, is a Self-Advocate speaker and resident of Orchard Commons in Allendale, New Jersey where she lives independently. In addition to her advocacy, Diana maintains a well-rounded career, holding positions at: The Gap, as a Sales Associate; Meaningful Movements as a Dance Teacher Assistant; ECLC School, as a Clerical Assistant; and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, as a Receptionist. Additionally, she has been an active 20-year participant as a gymnastic athlete in the Special Olympics, as well as, she has served as Student Council President at the ECLC School. Diana is a graduate of Ridgewood High School and is a recipient of the President's Award for Educational Excellence, the Rebecca S. McDonald Transitional Award, and the Eagle of the Cross Award for Roman Catholic Youth Group Leadership.

And, NDSS is pleased to welcome Kristine Johnson, CBS 2 News Anchor, as our Master of Ceremonies.

The photo that appears on the save the date card (above) is the work of Self-Advocate Allison Haines.

**********
DSD will be tweeting live from the event!

Lauren Potter on supporting the ABLE Act

Lauren Potter for the ABLE Act by Michael Hansel on Vimeo

Glee’s Lauren Potter and Jane Lynch address the R-Word

This is from last May but it is still powerful today. 

from Social Times by Megan O'Neil:
Thanks to a multitude of amazing campaigns for good causes, YouTube has cemented itself as one of the best platforms for spreading the word about important issues, ideas, and non-profits.  In the latest viral YouTube PSA, Lauren Potter and Jane Lynch of ‘Glee’ speak out against the word ‘retard’.

The powerful campaign, launched by Spread the Word to End the Word, an ongoing initiative from Best Buddies and the Special Olympics to eradicate the everyday derogatory use of “The R-Word” aims to show people that it is just as unacceptable to use the word “retarded” as it is to use other racial and offensive slurs.  The video is pretty blunt in its use of other derogatory terms, in order to get the point across.  I think it’s extremely effective.

In the video, Glee star Lauren Potter says, “It is not acceptable to call me a ‘retard’ or to call your friends ‘retarded’ when they do something foolish.”  Jane Lynch adds, “The R-word is the same as every minority slur.  Treat it that way, and don’t use it.”  These days, the R-word is so overused that a lot of people don’t realize the derogatory nature of the term.  Here’s hoping that this video will open eyes to people so that they will think before calling themselves, their friends, or anything else “retarded.”

A recent radio interview with Glee's Lauren Potter

from Blair Williamson's Facebook page - be sure to like it:

Glee's Lauren Potter chats with 97ZOK's Steve Shannon Show.

Lauren Potter at the SAG Awards

Lauren Potter at the SAG Awards red carpet and a special moment with George Clooney. Be sure to like her page on Facebook.

Lauren Potter at the Golden Globe Awards

Lauren Potter at the Golden Globe Awards.
Be sure to "like" Lauren Potter on her Facebook page.