Today is the 4th annual Spread the Word to End the Word Day and it is considered a sacred holiday for our family. Today is the day that all across the globe, people are speaking up about the power of language by educating others that the use of the word retard(ed) when used in a derogatory way is hurtful to people with disabilities and those of us who love them.
This is a campaign for respect and acceptance. It is not an attempt to be Thought/Politically Correct/Word Police. In the words of Timothy Shriver, "You're allowed to be humiliating, degrading, and hurtful. I'm allowed to petition you to at least recognize what you say and be aware of the option you have to stop."
It's really that simple. We raise awareness about the words we chose to use and by doing so create a more inclusive and safe world.
So what can YOU do?
First, take the pledge at www.r-word.org
Share this message with your contacts
Watch and share the many videos on YouTube or upload your own
Use your social media websites to spread the word
Below is a photo custom designed to use as your facebook timeline cover photo
Grab this badge to place on your blog or website
I am personally asking every single one of you reading this to share this message. Do it for Sophie. Do it for all of us in the beautiful disability community. Do it for dignity.
We thank you with hearts overflowing.
For more posts about this important issue, do a blog search here by clicking on the Label below, the "R" word.
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