Today (March 7) is Spread the Word to End the Word Day. Get the details below, and pledge your support to eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word. Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and supporters to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word.
The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support at http://www.r-word.org/ and to promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
WHEN
The official annual day of awareness is held the first Wednesday of every March. While most activities are centered on or near that annual day in March, people everywhere can help spread the word throughout their communities and schools year-round thru pledge drives, youth rallies and online activation.
WHO
Spread the Word to End the Word was founded by college students Soeren Palumbo (Notre Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011) in 2009, and continues to be led by passionate young people, Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies participants across the United States and in many other parts of the world.
Celebrity activist John C. McGinley is a spokesperson for the campaign.
WHY
Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. HOW
Visit http://www.r-word.org/ to learn how you can Spread the Word to End the Word.
Thank you for starting this site. I have a daughter with multiple disabilities. She is such a survivor, a fighter, a trooper and the most beautiful strongest and funniest non verbal girl I have ever known. I am blessed to be her mom.
ReplyDelete