Standing ovation for Asburys as Du Quoin becomes first city in Illinois to pledge ending use of the “R” word “retarded”
The stage was bigger Monday as 16-year-old Brenna Asbury, born with Down Syndrome--stepped to the podium at Tuesday's city council meeting and asked residents of Du Quoin to "Spread the Word to End the Word" (retardation) in our daily lives.
The presentation by Brenna and sister Caitlin brought the room to its feet with a standing ovation--not a dry eye in the chamber--as Du Quoin became the first city in the State of Illinois to make this sweeping proclamation of dignity and self-worth.
At the conclusion of the earlier business agenda the lights dimmed as the 70 people in attendance watched Brenna's video called "Don't laugh at me." Many brushed a tear from their eye, not at Brenna's handicap, but at her remarkable strength and character. Caitlin explained the movement to "end the word."
Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society still does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word "retard(ed)."
On October 5, 2010, President Barack Obama officially signed bill S. 2781 into federal law. Rosa's Law removes the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" from federal health, education and labor policy.
While we've made great strides in changing language on the national level, we still need help encourage local and state governments to make similar changes. As of March 2012, all but six states in the United States have at least introduced legislation to change the language in their state from 'mental retardation'--The "R" word.
Mayor Rex Duncan authored a proclamation on behalf of the City of Du Quoin and presented it to the Asbury family. Also in attendance was Paul Melzer, Director Special Olympics Illinois Southern Area 15, who thanked the people of Du Quoin for the support it has given to Special Olympics. A drive-thru poster signing was set up outside city hall to accommodate those Du Quoin residents who could not make the council meeting.
As the meeting ended, the council and those attending came forward to be the first to sign the pledge.
Other action included:
• Bill Asbury told the council that a men's tournament will be held in Du Quoin the weekend of Dec. 14 to benefit Special Olympics alongside the January girls' tournament. In four years his work has raised $191,000 for Special Olympics with a goal this year of $100,000.
• Approval of a proclamation on December Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.
• Approved Resolution #R2013-R11-01 amending a redevelopment agreement between the Du Quoin and St Nicholas Hotel, Inc.
• Discussion and approval to purchase two pick-up trucks for the water department and treatment plant from Chip Banks Chevrolet at a cost of $19,688 (four-wheel drive) and $17,457 respectively.
• The council tabled an appeal from Howard Wilson concerning a condemnation at 326 N Division St.
• Voted to allow the fire department to move forward on a program to train, then enlist the help of young firefighters part-time through a unique intern program. More later.