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Our Words

A young woman holding up and show an image at the front of a class room while people look.
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!”

'I Am a Person'

A Spread the Word PSA created by youth and shared by LeFriendShip.

It starts with you...

Spread the Word to End the Word campaign video for Queen’s Grant Preparatory High School in North Carolina.

Champaign County Organizes 2010 R-Word Event

Champaign County, Illinois R-Word Event on March 3, 2010

National TV Morning Shows Spreading the Word

Watch Robin Roberts on ABC's Good Morning America, Kathie Lee and Hoda on NBC's Today show and weatherman Lonnie Quinn all promote our Spread the Word to End the Word campaign on the morning of 3.3.10.

SORI Executive Director, Dennis DeJesus, Spreads the Word

News clip from March 3, 2010 on Fox Network’s ‘The Rhode Show’ in Providence, featuring Special Olympics Rhode Island Executive Director, Dennis DeJesus.

I am...

These Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies friends are many things, but there is one thing they’re not.

Johnny Knoxville & Eddie Barbanell Discuss the R-Word

See actors and best friends Johnny Knoxville and Eddie Barbanell from "The Ringer" discuss why the word "retard(ed)" is hurtful and why they want you to choose to pledge to stop saying it. Video created by Noah Gray.

Carl Lewis and Friends Take the Pledge

Carl Lewis, Alonzo Mourning, Evander Holyfield and Stormy Henley have taken the pledge to end the R-word. Have you?

Joe Jonas Pledges to End the R-Word

Joe Jonas has made his pledge to stop using the word retard(ed). Have you? Answer Joe's challenge and be a fan of respect for all people by making your pledge today.

Rob Johnson Shares His Perspective on the R-Word

Rob Johnson from CBS 2 Illinios responds to Rahm Emanuel's R-Word controversy. Video File Used with Permission

ABC's "The View" discusses the R-word

Watch the panel of ABC's "The View" as they discuss society's use of the word "retard(ed)." This clip is being used for public awareness only and should be shared in a manner consistent with fair use.

R-Word in the Media Montage

Ever doubt the pervasiveness of the word 'retard(ed)' in our society? Check out this 60 second montage to see just how much it’s used on TV and in movies. This needs to change!