I am a senior at UW-Madison and have read the Badger Herald for four years now. I have relied on the paper to give me accurate news and also to make me laugh everyday, whether it be from cartoons or from shout-outs every Wednesday. However, I was shocked this Wednesday (9-29) when I was reading the shout-outs and came to the one about Special Olympians. As a special education major, Special Olympics volunteer and someone who works with these kids day in and day out, I was hurt by this person’s comment. However, not only was I hurt that they would write it, but I was also shocked that the Badger Herald would print it. I would think the paper — comprised of writers — would make sure something is ethical before it was printed.
To the person that wrote the comment, I must ask:
Have you ever been to a Special Olympics meet? Have you ever worked with these individuals? These individuals are truly special people, with the gift to make everyone around them happy. They teach us to forget about our little problems and focus on the little things in life that make us happy. If you ever were to go to a Special Olympics meet you would see that these children don’t care whether they win or lose; their happiness is in being there and doing the best that they can do. Even though people with disabilities may struggle to learn certain things, there are things they can still teach us. So in the end they are winners, but it seems as if you still have some learning to do. I am not going to bring you down. However, I hope that you go out and meet someone who has disabilities and learn that these people are great friends and teachers.
Some of my favorite memories are of the times I spent with my students and friends who have disabilities. When I am having a bad day they are the first people who can put a smile on my face. I am grateful that in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act allowed for these children to be educated in public schools and for them to have a chance in this world. This act not only opened the door for them as students, but also opened the door for more people to come in contact with people who have disabilities and understand them. They have taught us to be more caring, more carefree and more tolerant.
When I read this comment, I felt as if I was living before 1975. It seems that we still have intolerant people in this world who, sadly, are trying to bring these people down. However, people with disabilities will not let comments like this bother them because they don’t need to dwell on ignorant people like you.
To readers, I must comment: I ask of you to not throw around the word “retarded.” It is offensive and hurts people who have disabilities and also people who work with or care for them. These people are capable of so much more than we often give them credit for, so give them your respect.
Lorissa Olson
UW-Madison Senior
Special Education
