FARMINGTON – March 2 will mark the third annual “Spread the Word to End the Word” day of awareness, a campaign created by supporters, in an ongoing effort with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International, to engage schools, organizations and communities by raising the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encouraging everyone to stop using the R-word. Supporters are encouraging people to rally and pledge their support at www.r-word.org with the goal of reaching 200,000 pledges.
The day will be devoted to educating and raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities have in our communities and why the use of the R-word is hurtful, even in casual conversation. Local supporters, Special Olympics and Best Buddies International hope that this day becomes an annually recognized day to raise awareness and ultimately encourage acceptance and respect for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities in everyday lives.
LEAP, Inc. has organized a community gathering from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. upstairs at the North Dining Hall in the Student Center at the University of Maine at Farmington on South Street in Farmington. Speakers and guests in attendance will be local self-advocates from Speaking Up For Us, staff members from LEAP, Students from the Rehabilitation, Community Health and other programs at the University of Maine at Farmington, Staff from the DHHS Office of Adults with Cognitive and Physical Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center among other supporters and advocates have been invited. Information will be shared on the Progress Maine has made, as well as the continued community challenges.
Spread the Word to End the Word was created by supporters, youth with and without cognitive and intellectual disabilities who participated in the Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit last February, held in conjunction with the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho. The motivation for the campaign was driven by a united passion to promote the positive contributions people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities make in communities around the world combined with a simple call to action – a pledge to stop using a word – that also symbolizes positive attitude change and a commitment to make the world a more accepting place for all people.
Motivated by their commitment to action, actor John C. McGinley was inspired to join these supporters and their dedication to stop the casual use of the R-Word. “Most people don’t think of this word as the language of hate, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends,” said McGinley. “I choose to believe that most of us are fundamentally good and that we’re just not aware that the word is offensive and that it hurts.”
Supporters across the U.S. and around the world continue to unite in their challenge for everyone to think before they speak. On March 2, 2011, supporters will coordinate simultaneous pledge drives, campaigns, and educational opportunities through Spread the Word to End the Word, engaging communities and advocates to encourage everyone to pledge to stop the use of the word at www.r-word.org.
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