President Barack Obama’s appearance on the Jay Leno Show last evening has been hailed as a historic event. It is unfortunate however that this event was marred by unthoughtful comment when he compared his bowling to being in the Special Olympics.

He was quick to apologize after the fact and the Special Olympics was quick to accept offering to “have some Special Olympic athletes visit the White House to bowl or play basketball.”

What of those with developmental disabilities who are not a part of the Special Olympics? Isn’t this more than just a disparaging remark about a volunteer organization? Simply put, these types of comments and this way of thinking strikes to the very core of what the ‘r’ Word Campaign stands for.

The damage has been done, as what was an off-hand comment by a popular president has now justified much of the negativity and hate that surrounds the use of the ‘r’ Word.

Thousands of advocates, family members and individuals with disabilities have been working tirelessly for years to bring awareness that this way of thinking about people with disabilities is not only hurtful but it perpetuates the Cycle of Hate.

We understand that you were attempting to poke some fun at yourself, Mr. President, but we ask would you have made the same comparison to yourself and the poverty poor, or disabled veterans, or people suffering from HIV/AIDS?

You see, its about respect.

Please share your comments about this issue with Mr. Obama, http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/. Let him know that this issue is bigger than the Special Olympics and that his insensitive comment perpetuates predjudice and discrimination towards people with disabilities.