In January, The New York Times published an article titled, “The R-word returns, dismaying those who fought to oust it.” The R-word, for those unfamiliar, is the word retard or retarded. Minnesota agencies and federal policy stopped using mental retardation in 2005 and 2010. According to the New York Times article, the R-word is now being used more often.

We are People First of New Ulm, a group of self-advocates with disabilities and allies, and United We Stand Players of New Ulm, an inclusive theater group producing original works focused on community, discrimination, and what it means to live with disabilities. We advocate for our rights, equality, and belonging. People First of New Ulm started in 1993 and has been advocating against the use of hurtful language the last 33 years. We believe the R-word has negative impacts for any community. It is exclusionary and it limits people with disabilities in who they are and what they contribute.

This year, The United We Stand Players is performing their new play, “Boxes,” which will highlight discrimination and hurtful words along with the joy of being in a community. The performances will be 7 p.m. on April 24 and 2 p.m. on April 25 at the New Ulm Community Center (openartsminnesota.org).

As People First of New Ulm and United We Stand Players of New Ulm, we would like to invite you to come and see “Boxes.” We carry valuable insight into living lives with disabilities in New Ulm, which we believe is a great asset to our community. We have experience enacting local change in New Ulm, and we are continuously building our advocacy and organizing skills. We also provide education and artistic expression around disability justice.

Please reach out to People First of New Ulm if you would like to learn more about living with a disability in New Ulm, our group’s advocacy work, or the impact of hurtful language. We are always welcoming new members and are eager to share our experiences and help grow New Ulm’s strength as a community. We hope to see you in the audience of Boxes.

People First of New Ulm

The United We Stand Players of New Ulm