Our Words
Advocacy and creative passion are key to Spread the Word and we are always looking for more ways to hear and amplify the voice of every member of our community. We want to hear your stories, your concerns and your opinions. And we want others to hear them as well. Send us your story of inclusion. Check out stories from our community below!”
Spread The Word with Tim Shriver Jr
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Spread The Word Co-Founder Tim Shriver Jr. sits down with Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a heartfelt conversation on the motivation for Spread The Word, sharing personal stories Never-Before-Heard-On-A-Podcast that will empower grassfoot leaders to refocus and take action for inclusion. Join us and make your #PledgeToInclude this week!Friend of the podcast and 2-Time Guest Tim Shriver Jr. joins us as we’re celebrating and reflecting on 15 Years of Spread The Word, a global campaign where we think the world would be better if everyone were included. Around the world, exclusion and discrimination continue to divide people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are changing that with grassroots action for inclusion. That’s Spread the Word.Learn more about Spread the WordPledge Now
Competition Became Connection
John Rorro arrived at Syracuse from Rockland County, New York, carrying both excitement and uncertainty. Raised in a sports-loving family, he was always the hype man, the loudest supporter, the biggest fan. But college represented something bigger: independence, belonging, and the chance to be seen not through the lens of his disability, but as a student, a leader, and a young man building his future.
3 Min Read
Creating Inclusive Spaces for Young People and Beyond
By understanding the importance of inclusivity and taking steps to foster it, we can build environments where everyone—especially young people—can feel safe, valued, and empowered.
11 Min Read
A Guide to Standing Up to Bullying
Trigger/Content warning: discussion of suicide, bullying, and assaultPlease read at your own discretion.14-year-old Adriana Kuch was like any other American teenager. Her family described her as a “fun-loving little girl.”
11 Min Read
How to Talk to Your Friends About the R-Word: A Guide for Students and Parents
From political figures using it in public to major blockbusters sneaking it into the mainstream, the R-word is being used at an alarming frequency.
13 Min Read
Dialogue Scenario 2: Collecting R-word Pledges at an Event
Use this dialogue guide and tips to help you successfully articulate why the R-word is hurtful and harmful in everyday speech.
2 Min Read
Dialogue Scenario 1: When Friends or Family Use the R-word
Having a conversation with friends and family about the R-word can be uncomfortable. Use this dialogue to help you spread the word.
2 Min Read
Inclusion Starts With Me
For Marya Ketchell, inclusion starts by showing up with her son Wyatt, who has Down Syndrome.
1 Min Read
Why Pledge
Our goal is to disrupt the cycle of isolation and exclusion with grassroots action for inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities around the world.
1 Min Read
Changing the R-word on Twitter
Our friends at Y&R took up the challenge of finding a great way to get R-word users to think of a different way to get their thoughts out.
Changing a Community
City officials, self-advocates, and local leaders are working together for inclusion in Rochester, New York. See their video here and learn more about the work here.