Spread the Word to End the Word™ is an annual day of awareness happening on March 1 this year. Spread the Word to End the Word is also an on-going effort — raising consciousness regarding the hurtful effects of the words “retard” and “retarded". Use of the R-word, “retard” or “retarded,” is hurtful and painful and, whether intended or not, is a form of bullying. In fact, it’s hate speech to the millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their friends.
The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign encourages organizations, schools, and community members to pledge to end the use of the R-word themselves, and to encourage others to do the same.
Here at Macaroni Kid, we pledge our support and encourage you to visit www.r-word.org for further information and to make the pledge yourselves to put an end to the R-word once and for all.
A good starting point? Talk to your children about the R-word and how harmful it’s use is. If friends or family members use the R-word, have a conversation with them about it. You can find useful tips for approaching others here http://www.r-word.org/r-word-dialog-1.aspx.
Finally, show your kids that you are taking the pledge not to use the R-word, and encourage them to do the same.
