Peterborough Teen Criss Tuck Has Had Enough Of People Using R-Word Around His Autistic Brother

Eighteen-year-old Criss Tuck has heard people use the "retarded" word one too many times around his older brother Jeffrey, 20, who has autism.

Criss with Jeffrey

"Not using the 'R-Word' is something that our family feels very strongly about, and our son Criss is trying to make more people aware of the negative effects on people," says Cathie Tuck, their mother—who along with husband Dave are founders of the Peterborough Huskies special needs hockey team.

Dave Tuck pictured with his boys Criss and Jeffrey (and Criss's race car)

So Criss has just started a "Spread The Word To End The Word" Facebook page to raise awareness about the use of the R-word.

"The reason I am doing this campaign is because of the special needs community. I have been there when people use the word on my autistic brother—and I have also been called this," Criss tells PTBOCanada. 

"I am also doing this for everyone who has a disability and/or challenge since we also have a right not to be called names and have people use the definition of our disability or challenge as a negative form of as what I see as bullying."

"People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not bad," says the Facebook campaign post. "Their condition is not bad. The prejudice and discrimination to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is BAD…and WRONG! Please stop using the word ‘retard’. It hurts individuals and families of those with disabilities."

Show your support for Criss's cause by "Liking" the Facebook page.

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