Members of Dorothy B. Hersh High School’s Self-Advocacy Group: Robert Schwarz (l-r), Matawan/Aberdeen; Tommy Brady, Wall; Harry Newton, Neptune; Tyshon Woods, Long Branch; Angel Luinones, Long Branch; Nelson Salas, Perth Amboy; Miguel Aponte, Long Branch; Andrew Tenien, Old Bridge; and Lorna Mondesir, Asbury Park. TINTON FALLS — The Dorothy B. Hersh High School Self-Advocacy Group has received the Making the Difference– Group Achievement Award at the fifth annual Spring Into Action Luncheon hosted by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project.

The students were presented with the award for their work on the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, a nationwide campaign working hard to remove the word “retarded” from use.

Using notes and a PowerPoint presentation, eight students with developmental disabilities spoke to two undergraduate classes at GeorgianCourtUniversity in Lakewood about how the “R” words, “retard” and “retarded,” should be removed from everyday language. Following the presentations, they held a question-andanswer session with the students.

In addition, some of the students attended the “Rally for Respect” at Rutgers University Busch Campus Center, Piscataway, on March 23. The rally brought representatives, students, residents and self-advocates together to end the “R” word.

The criteria for the award includes: demonstration of teamwork through showing an ability to work cohesively with others toward the common goal of self-advocacy; group meetings must be primarily advocate-directed and -led; members of the group exhibit support for one another in achieving the leadership roles and responsibilities identified by the group; and the group uses adviser support effectively.

Dorothy B. Hersh High School is a component of The Arc of Monmouth. The high school is a private school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 14 and 21. To contact the school, call 732-493-3563

The Arc of Monmouth serves more than 1,700 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families each year with education, vocational training, residential services, health care, supported employment, recreation, social services and advocacy.