The R-Word
“Do you cringe every time you hear the word retard(ed)?” is a question asked by the producers of the film, “The R-Word.” A screening of the movie will be held in Hartline Science Center, Kuster Auditorium, room 108, on Thursday, March 30, at 6:30.
The film “is a purposeful look into the long-reaching history and lasting implications of the word retard(ed) and current attitudes and perceptions about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” say its producers. The tale is told with personal explanations that reveal the implications of the word’s use in poignant and sometimes humorous accounts.
The screening is co-sponsored by Hand in Hand Family Resource Center and BU’s office of Civic Engagement. Jennifer Billig, Founder and president of Hand in Hand, and a panel of those who have personally had to contend with this issue, will discuss their own experiences after the film.
Hand in Hand was founded in December of 2017 and "is dedicated to guide, empower, support and educate the caregivers and communities of individuals with health concerns and disabilities in order to increase inclusion and diversity in society," according to its website. The organization serves Columbia, Montour and lower Luzerne Counties.
The screening is free and open to the public. For more information contact Tim Pelton (tpelton@bloomu.edu – 570-389-5437) or Jennifer Billig (jenniferb@handinhandpa.org – 570-237-0456)