POLL: Advocates: Legislators must answer for derogatory remark

By Kelli O’Brien, staff writer
Webster Post
Posted Aug 12, 2009 @ 11:03 AM

Webster, N.Y. — Organizations representing developmentally disabled residents have spoken out after a tape of a Monroe County Legislature meeting that revealed someone — likely a county legislator — said a derogatory word used as slang to refer to disabled people.

An uproar followed the July 14 Monroe County Legislature meeting, and local advocacy groups are calling for a cooperative response from both political parties and action to remedy the issue; to own up and to make amends.

A videotape of the meeting recorded a voice many believe to be that of Republican Majority Leader Dan Quatro, using the word “retard” to express frustration after Democratic Legislator Steve Eckel voted on a bill to protect whistleblowers in the county. Eckel’s 26th district includes parts of Rochester, Gates, Greece and Irondequoit.

Quatro had sent a letter to the Center for Disability Rights, stating, “What happened at the July 14 meeting will serve as an important lesson for all legislators, staff and our entire community regarding the effects of this sort of offensive remark.”

What Quatro does not include in his letter, however, is an admission or apology — and that’s what CDR leaders are upset about.

“There has been no acknowledgment of who did it. No apology. There’s just sort of attitudes that say we should all sing ‘Kum Ba Yah’,” said the Center’s executive director, Bruce Darling. “So aside from that, they have not felt the need to receive any additional training on these issues, they just don’t seem to see what the problem is.”

In an interview with the Webster Post, Quatro said he felt he was taking the necessary steps to move forward, although he stopped short of admitting using the word.

“I sent a letter, and I sat down and had a personal meeting” with Chris Hilderbrant, director of advocacy at the Center, Quatro said. “I was well aware of how the word was used, and I don’t know what more they are looking for. The use of the word was inappropriate, and we should go forward.”

Steve Holmes, administrative director for the Self Advocacy Group of New York State, said the “R” word is one of the biggest challenges he sees for developmentally disabled individuals he works with.

“It’s a word that continues to promote negative stereotypes,” he said. “It is one of those words that people use all the time; it just rolls off people’s lips.”

He also added that Quatro’s position gives him an opportunity to be a leader.

“It’s thoughtless, and he should be encouraging people to learn from it. Until people recognize it, we’re always going to be at that point.”

David Liscomb, president of the Self Advocacy Group of New York State, said that he understands people misspeak, however, those mistakes may have already done damage.

“People make mistakes and say things without thinking, but those words can really hurt,” Liscomb said. “Ask a 12-year-old boy with a developmental disability, trying hard to fit in – who has just been called the ‘R-word’ in a school classroom by a bully – what it feels like.”

The ARC of Monroe County had already began an awareness campaign this year regarding the word prior to the incident, and it appears it was necessary.

The campaign, called “End the ‘R’ Word,” is meant to enlighten and educate the public on the use of the word. ARC of Monroe officials have said hurtful labels create negative stigmas and perceptions.

ARC President and CEO Barbara Wale said she heard from individuals at the ARC of Monroe and that they were hurt by the comment.

“They said how uncomfortable it made them feel, and that they were surprised and disappointed that there is no accounting for it, to say ‘sorry,’” she said. “People just need to understand how hurtful it can be, especially used as a noun. When it insinuates someone being dumb and stupid, it becomes more of a slur than just a noun.”

Jennifer Wilson of the ARC said the campaign also involves the sale of T-shirts to individuals who wish to support the cause. Details are available at www.arcmonroe.org or by calling the Jim Mrozek Center at (585) 672-2202.

Wale also said that in her personal life, she is seeing a positive light.

“I had teens and their friends would use the word, but they learned that ‘If you’re in the car with Mrs. Wale, you don’t say that,’” she said. “They are teachable moments when you can say ‘Aha!’ and that’s what it’s all about.”

Monroe County Democratic Majority Leader Harry Bronson, said the issue should not be a political one. He said county leaders acknowledged the word is inappropriate and have agreed to learn more about the issue with the help of advocates.

“We have accepted CDR’s offer to pick up on educational services they can offer, and we have said we will work to facilitate this as a learning experience,” Bronson said.