Tim Shriver explains why the "R-word" is wrong

Tim Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics, brought his campaign to get people to stop using the word "retarded" to 'The Colbert Report' (Weeknights, 11:30PM ET on Comedy Central.)

Shriver prefers the term "person with intellectual disabilities." This prompted Colbert, playing his obnoxious pundit character, to wonder why Shriver is trying to take away his right to say the word "retarded." Colbert admits he uses it to dehumanize those who are different from him.

But soon afterward, Shriver got serious: "You're allowed to be humiliating, degrading and hurtful. I'm allowed to petition you to at least recognize what you say and be aware of the option you have to stop."

He went on to raise people's understanding of social awareness.

Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow advocates for children like Andrey through blogs, social networking, and word of mouth. In five short years, with the help of continued donations, the organization has found adoptive families for more than 500+ children with Down syndrome and other special needs around the world. More than $1 million in private donations has been disbursed in the form of adoption grants to make this possible.

Andrea Roberts, founder of Reece's Rainbow draws inspiration from her own experience raising her son Reece who has Down syndrome. Andrea feels that children with Down syndrome invoke reflection on the beauty and innocence that a child brings to the world and that they remind us that the image of God is not confined to our earthly definitions. 

Models with Down Syndrome

A modeling agency specifically for children and young adults with Down syndrome is launching this month in Ireland and it is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.

The agency, called “I’m Able 2 Model,” is already representing 20 individuals ages 5 to 33 with the chromosomal disorder. Participants were selected based on the level of confidence they displayed before the camera, organizers say.

In Ireland, Down syndrome occurs in about 1 out of every 500 births. That’s nearly twice the prevalence rate seen in the United States.

The idea behind the agency is to increase representation of people with disabilities in the media, organizers say, adding that they will work to secure jobs for the models in advertising, catalogs and on the catwalk at competitive wages, reports the (UK) Press Association.

From Models With Down Syndrome Focus Of New Agency

A story on classroom inclusion

Inclusion in general education classes can be beneficial both to children with Down syndrome and their typical peers. One story of inclusion at work is in a third grade classroom in California.

Toys "R" Us Kids Casting Call

Casting Call for Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-abled Kids

Toys "R" Us is searching for children to model in its Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-abled Kids. If you have a differently-abled child between the ages of 12 months to 10 years and are interested in having your child appear in the guide, send a casting from along with a photograph to:

Toys "R" Us

One Geoffrey Way, NJ 07470

Attn: Mary Hogarth

Photos will not be returned. Please respond by April 15, 2011. Travel to New York City for the photoshoot required for participants.

For over 15 years, Toys "R" Us has partnered with the National Lekotek Center to produce the Toys "R" us Toy Guide for Differently-abled Kids, giving parents and children with disabilities an easy-to-use selection of toys that offer them the best opportunity for fun and learning.