Have you ever used the word "retard" in a derogatory way? The phrase, "You're such a retard," can be especially damaging to young children and those who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Before the 1960s, if you had a developmental disability, you would have been placed in a state institution.

Since then, much progress has been made. Now, most state institutions are closed and the developmentally disabled have joined the mainstream as active, participating members of our communities. But while much progress has been made, discrimination and misunderstanding continue to persist. Disrespectful references to people with mental retardation and other disabilities far too often surface in our language, public institutions and entertainment industry.

At The Arc of Ventura County, we have joined other national organizations in a campaign to eliminate the R-word from our vocabulary. It is too often used as a demeaning, hurtful and unnecessary reference to a person who otherwise offers both value and significance to our community.

Last year, our board of directors officially changed our name from the Association for Retarded Citizens, Ventura County Inc. to The Arc of Ventura County Inc. All references to the R-word in our signage, literature and communications have been eliminated.

In November 2006, the nation's oldest group in our field, the American Association on Mental Retardation changed its name to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. And Special Olympics has advocated that the word "retarded" be dropped from our vernacular. This obsolete word no longer has a meaningful place in our everyday language. It remains appropriate only for reference in history books as a reflection of the last vestige of discrimination against a select group of people.

Instead of the R-word, we recommend reference to people with "intellectual and developmental disabilities." They are a glorious and equal patch in the vast quilt of society.

But there are other issues, too. Healthcare remains substandard for many with developmental disabilities. Although living much longer, basic medical and dental services are often neglected. Additionally, we are seeing dramatic increases in problems related to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Proposed cuts in Medi-Cal, as outlined in the governor's proposed budget will only exacerbate the problem and ultimately cost us more.

And unemployment for people with developmental disabilities remains at 70 percent — an astonishingly unacceptable level. While community employment programs have successfully demonstrated that people with developmental disabilities can and want to work in our community, more can be done. Many have successfully transitioned off public assistance and now are productive tax-paying members of our community. But there are many more who could benefit from access to these programs.

We ask that you join us at The Arc of Ventura County, along with other agencies and organizations, as we provide appropriate educational and community services for the people we support. They are, after all, people first. Simply put, people with developmental disabilities are entitled to the same benefits of full citizenship as everyone else, including a free and appropriate education, community-based employment, adequate healthcare, clean and affordable housing, and the respect they deserve as contributing members of our community. We needn't unwittingly contribute to the segregation of this community when we can harness opportunities every day.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Please join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of all people with developmental disabilities, not only in March, but every day.

— Fred W. Robinson of Santa Paula is chief executive officer of The Arc of Ventura County. His e-mail address is frobinson@arcvc.org.