#1e82a0#500000#e67323#8ca532
Spread The WordHelp us raise awareness about the hurtfulness of the R-word by pledging and sharing your stories year round.Pledge Now  
Tweet Your PledgeHere's your tweet-ready text:
I pledge #Respect thru my words & actions. Will you? Pledge now to create communities of inclusion for people with ID http://r-word.org  Here's how  
Movement ChampionsJohn "Frank" Stephens became a national phenomenon by showing us all how to create a more accepting society.
Read Frank's Story
Six Years of ProgressIn the years since the R-word campaign started, real change has taken place. Read more

Your Stories

December 01, 2014 | North America: Canada

I am a student assistant

By Angela

I have worked with many special children over the past 25 years and love them all they are all special and unique people, they are all smart in different ways and should be treated better than using words like retarded its a awful work and I would never use it on these children. I think people shoView Story ▼I have worked with many special children over the past 25 years and love them all they are all special and unique people, they are all smart in different ways and should be treated better than using words like retarded its a awful work and I would never use it on these children. I think people should get to know them first before they pass judgement on what they are like.

About Angela:I am a student assistant and have been for over 25 years now and love my job. It's a rewarding job to do.
Share
View less ▲
December 01, 2014 | North America: Northern California

My little brother David saved my life.

By Tim Loomis

Trevor's Ride A Wave Surfing Day at Pleasure Point

My youngest brother, David, was born with Down syndrome. The ripple effect of David's special needs status is ongoing to this day. His condition helped me and my family to become extremely sensitive to other people also with special needs.View Story ▼My youngest brother, David, was born with Down syndrome. The ripple effect of David's special needs status is ongoing to this day. His condition helped me and my family to become extremely sensitive to other people also with special needs. I worked as a teacher for 10 years always trying to give a little extra something to students with special needs. Currently, I am a volunteer and a board member for a non profit here in Santa Cruz called Ride A Wave. We put on ten camps a summer for people w/special needs giving them an opportunity to surf, bodyboard, SUP and kayak. To say that David has influenced my life is an understatement.

About Tim Loomis:64 year old man with a loving wife - Sheryl, who recently retired as a Special Ed. (what else) teacher. I own a manufacture's rep company selling surfing and fly fishing gear in Central/Northern Ca..
Share
View less ▲
December 01, 2014 | North America: Idaho

My sister, my adopted son (grandson)

By Kathy Bessey

I am 51 years old and the youngest of 4. My oldest sister had severe learning disabilities and I listened as kids called her the R word. I hated it.View Story ▼I am 51 years old and the youngest of 4. My oldest sister had severe learning disabilities and I listened as kids called her the R word. I hated it. She wasn't intellectually disabled, she just had problems learning like others. I was 6 or 7 when this hit me. I have never stopped hating that word and advocate against its use always. My adopted son (grandson) is disabled and learning disabilities are included, he is intelligent, warm, loving and a passion for life, far from anything anyone could associate with the R word!

About Kathy Bessey:I have 5 adult children, 9 grandchildren and one grandson that I adopted who has several mental health issues and is disabled. I am the grandmother to a murdered 22 month old child. I am a protector!
Share
View less ▲
December 01, 2014 | North America: Oklahoma

My Mom's Rule

By Tambra Galid

This isn't really my story, but my mom's. She spent her life with a cognitively and developmentally disabled brother who was called names his entire life. She decided it would stop with her and we were never allowed to call anyone the 'r' word when I was a kid.View Story ▼This isn't really my story, but my mom's. She spent her life with a cognitively and developmentally disabled brother who was called names his entire life. She decided it would stop with her and we were never allowed to call anyone the 'r' word when I was a kid.

About Tambra Galid:Nothing to tell here.
Share
View less ▲
December 01, 2014 | North America: Arizona

Me and My Uncle

By Kirstin Will

My Uncle has Epilepsy and a few other things. It drives me nuts when people use derogatory language about him because they don't know him and he is clearly different than most.View Story ▼My Uncle has Epilepsy and a few other things. Mentally he is on level with a 6-8 year old child. He has such a personality and he's very smart actually, he just can't express it in words. It drives me nuts when people use derogatory language about him because they don't know him and he is clearly different than most. He is one of the sweetest people I know. He has issues with pronouncing certain sounds, so he calls me Kitty or Keaton (last couple of years) and my mom is Cho. Anyway, Uncle Lane is a really cool person, and I love it when he gets to 'watch' me, we usually put on a movie. He hates it when people baby him, it's really the only time he will throw a tantrum. :) Having Lane around makes life more interesting and fun.

About Kirstin Will:I am a Junior in College and am earning my degree in Bible/Theology and Intercultural Studies. I am thinking about trying to get a Masters in Global Justice too.
Share
View less ▲

Do you have a story to tell?

Tell us your story so we can publish it here for others to see.

Upcoming Events


Date

Event

Location

Mar 1, 2015
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The New 'R' Word is RESPECT Pledge Drive

Opportunity to PLEDGE, with music, films, information about local services, co-hosted by area colleges, schools, agencies and community groups.
For more information
Patricia Gooding
Email :levelgreen2010@gmail.com
Phone :607-339-9472
View More

Center Ithaca
Ithaca, New York
UNITED STATES

MORE »

Spread the Word 3.04.15

Our annual day of awareness, the first Wednesday of every March, is fast approaching! Make sure you have all the resources you need to end the R-word on 03.04.15!

Join Us to End the Word

We are spreading the word on your favorite sites. Join us!

Act Now!

Pledge your support to eliminate the demeaning use of the r-word.

PledgeactPledges

We've Pledged!

  • My family and I are very close to someone who is autistic. His mothers love and dedication is amazing and the r-word is so hurtful. Not only to the child, but her also. I...

    ...

    Kyah Grubb

    Bedford , Indiana
    60 hours ago

  • Ending derogatory speech challenges us to replace indifference with intelligence. It's not just about love or acceptance or frilly fluffy feelings, it's about showing th...

    ...

    Jackie

    Pasadena, California
    1291 hours ago

  • I work with an amazing boy with my Peer Tutor class. I know it would hurt his feelings to be called the r-word, and I want to make it so he won't, or anyone else!

    Ellie

    Alpine, Utah
    1390 hours ago

  • I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabil...

    ...

    Austin Vaughan

    Humboldt, Nebraska
    1628 hours ago

  • I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabil...

    ...

    Mya

    Woodbridge, Virginia
    1640 hours ago

  • Find pledges by name, city, state/country, or school/organization

    Find
  • See All Pledges »

Get Our Newsletter

Get the latest R-word.org news.

Subscribe