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Spreading the Word Music Video

"The R-word, "retard," is slang for the term mental retardation. Mental retardation was what doctors, psychologists, and other professionals used to describe people with significant intellectual impairment. Today the r-word has become a common word used by society as an insult for someone or something stupid. For example, you might hear someone say, "That is so retarded" or "Don't be such a retard." When used in this way, the r-word can apply to anyone or anything, and is not specific to someone with a disability. But, even when the r-word is not said to harm someone with a disability, it is hurtful.The term "Intellectual Disability" is a legal replacement for the term "Mental Retardation" thanks to Rosa's Law signed October 5, 2010.
Our Words

Youth Respond to the O’Reilly Factor

Youth Respond to the O’Reilly Factor
This video is a representation of the strong feelings presented by the delegates of the Global Youth Activation Summit who are advocating for those people with intellectual disabilities. This video was created in the reaction to the use of the "R" word in Bill O'Reilly's show airing February 9. Since the use of the "R" word was used in a derogatory way without a retaliation of O'Reilly these delegates wanted to voice their sadness in the effort to make their voices heard about ending the use of the "R" word.
Athletes

Special Olympics Athlete Leader Ben Haack Publishes Book to Help Parents with Children on the Autism Spectrum

Ben Haack smiles at camera while holding his book.
Ben Haack is a renaissance man. He’s a Special Olympics Athlete Leader from Australia (including several board assignments), a football (soccer) player and now, he’s added the title of “author” to his list of accomplishments.
Youth Innovation Projects

Project Application

Are you Ready to Promote Inclusion in Your Community? Special Olympics awards project-based grants to young people with and without intellectual disabilities. These grants fund youth-led projects that promote inclusion in schools and communities across the globe.
Press Releases

Enter the Special Olympics Toyota bZ Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win an All-Electric Vehicle and Empower Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

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[Washington, DC, USA - August 4, 2025] Special Olympics, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of the Special Olympics Toyota bZ Sweepstakes, an exciting opportunity for supporters across the United States to win a cutting-edge 2026 Toyota bZ All-Electric Vehicle while helping to create inclusive opportunities for Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Athletes

Beth Meyer Finds Joy in Achieving Long-Time Dream of Competing at USA Games

By RJ Nealon, August 27, 2022
A Special Olympics athlete stands outside her group home with all of her medals and ribbons on display.
It was a full-circle moment for Beth Meyer. The swimmer has competed for Special Olympics Ohio since 1990 but had never participated in the USA Games, the organization’s biggest domestic competition. But 2022 happened to be her year.

Hannah Teter

Hannah Teter, Special Olympics Global Ambassador
Olympic Champion, Snowboarder
Community Impact

Special Olympics and American Physical Therapy Association Unveil New Partnership

By Stephanie Corkett, August 11, 2017
The organizations have been long-time partners, working to advance the health and fitness of Special Olympics athletes since 1968.
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