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!”
John C. McGinley and the Strikers All-Stars Rally - Part 2
Check out this elementary school rally and dance performance for "Spread the Word to End the Word" with "Scrubs" actor John C. McGinley and MTV's Strikers All-Stars dance team.
John C. McGinley and the Strikers All-Stars Rally - Part 1
Check out this elementary school rally and dance performance for "Spread the Word to End the Word" with "Scrubs" actor John C. McGinley and MTV's Strikers All-Stars dance team.
John C. McGinley - PSA
Actor John C. McGinley of “Scrubs” shares a message about why you should pledge to stop using the word “retard(ed)” and begin helping Special Olympics and Best Buddies International create a world of respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Soeren Palumbo's R-word Speech
This is the original speech that Soeren Palumbo gave as a senior at an assembly at Fremd High School in Illinois in February 2007. The speech illustrates his personal experience surrounding the word 'retard' and the pain it causes his sister.
Be Kind, Be Tolerant
This is a video created by youth in Arlington, Virginia to raise awareness about the hurtfulness of using the word 'retard'. The animation was done by Phi Tran.
Call Me Friend, Call Me Neighbor
This is a public service announcement created by BBDO-NY to raise awareness about the hurtfulness of the word 'retard' for people with intellectual disabilities. It's time we begin to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities as our friends and neighbors, instead of using labels.
I Hear You
This is a video created by youth in Arlington, Virginia to raise awareness about the hurtfulness of using the word 'retard.'
The Weight of Words
This is a video created by youth in Arlington, Virginia to raise awareness about the hurtfulness of using the word 'retard'
We’re Not All that Different
This is a video created by youth in Arlington, Virginia to raise awareness about the hurtfulness of using the word 'retard.'
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.