Aid an underserved, neglected population

According to the World Health Organization, 193 million people, or 3 percent of the world’s population, are individuals with intellectual disabilities, the largest of all disability groups. The occurrence of intellectual disabilities knows no boundaries; it cuts across lines of race, ethnicity, education level, social class and economic background.

Although the population of people with intellectual disabilities exists in every community, it is nearly invisible and is considered one of the most neglected segments of society worldwide. People with intellectual disabilities are routinely abused, neglected, insulted and institutionalized, and even killed around the world. Their parents are told to give up — that their children are worthless.

Here in Alaska our youth are paving the way for acceptance and inclusion by starting the movement to ban the R-word in our schools and state. I would like to commend the Alaska Association of Student Governments (AASG) and the youth of Alaska for taking the pledge to ban the R-word (retard) and spreading the message to their schools.

So I say to all Alaskans, follow the leadership of our youth by promoting positive change. Go to www.specialolympicsalaska.org and take the pledge! By doing so, you will be promoting acceptance and inclusion for all people and your voice will be heard throughout the world.

Jim Balamaci

president/CEO

Special Olympics Alaska