Today is the 6th anniversary of Spread the Word to End the Word, a universal effort to eliminate demeaning language towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and replace it with respect. I need your help and ask that you activate your voice within our community. Please pledge support in both words and actions to create communities of inclusion for people with IDD with this pledge:
“I pledge RESPECT thru my words & actions.
I support the use of respectful language for EVERYONE.”
(Sign the pledge here. Here is more information on why pledge.)
I am lucky to be loved by my nephew, Michael Jack. He is a young boy with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I’m constantly reminded that Mikey has so much to offer everyone in regards to the way he chooses to see the world. I’m so grateful to have him in my life. I don’t want him or others to be exposed to hurtful and demeaning language, like the r-word. So please take this pledge as a class or as a family and let Mike know by commenting on this post.
Thanks Mrs. McBride for sharing this! I encourage everyone to make this pledge- I did! What a great way to show our compassion (word of the month!) for all!
I took the pledge and every word in it warmed my heart. Do not make fun or insult these people and show them your respect.
Thanks, Alex! It means so much to them and to me.
It is terrible that people say such hurtful things just because they have different personalities or different features. I took the pledge and I will keep my promise.
Thank, Kristen!
It is terrible that some people will even use that word.Some people use it as an insult without knowing how much it hurts people or not meaning it but it is still unacceptable.Let Mike know we will respect him and will never say the word.
“Just because you are different doesn’t mean you aren’t amazing.” It is horrible when people use the r-word as a joke or call someone that because they look different. I took the pledge to end the r-word, and I hope you do to.