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In the NewsLawrence Downes of The New York Times supported our campaign in an op-ed, "A Word Gone Wrong"Read more
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Your Stories

May 17, 2013 | North America: New York

My heart melts..

By Amberley O'Brien

Let me start out by saying that I never saw this word as a huge deal. I always felt the negative connotations to it, but it was just something teenagers say. I have realized the error of my ways.View Story ▼Let me start out by saying that I never saw this word as a huge deal. I always felt the negative connotations to it, but it was just something teenagers say. Now, at the age of 22, I have realized the error of my ways. Within the past 2 months, I have started a career working with developmentally disabled adults. I never thought I would fall so hard and so fast for some of these individuals. Sometimes, days are a challenge but then there are moments of happiness when your heart just melts.

About Amberley O'Brien:
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May 17, 2013 | North America: Montana

I'm Human too.

By Jeremiah Daniel Laurin

I regret to be one of those who have said the word "Retarded" in a loose manner, but: it's not a cuss word. And to say the "R-word" is even worse. Just say: "Let us end disrespect to others, at the root cause; it is a heart issue."View Story ▼I use it to mean in regards to some thing slow, it is not to be used in a demeaning or condescending way, for example: "A Video tape can be retarded if it is actually being slow." But it has been used loosely, and I regret to be one of those who have said the word "Retarded" in a loose manner, but: it's not a cuss word. And to say the "R-word" is even worse. Just say: "Let us end disrespect to others, at the root cause; it is a heart issue." And leave it at that. FYI: "I have Cerebral Palsy." People tell me I can’t do certain things all the time. I know my limitations… I’m not GOD after all, I'm a creation; NOT the Creator! ;)

About Jeremiah Daniel Laurin:I was Born in 1982. I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at age two. I now currently work for Rocky Mountain Easter Seals Inc. of North America: Montana since the year 09/01/10.
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May 15, 2013 | North America: Wisconsin

Life Time Experience!

By Jaden Leeman

I am 13 and I went to Special Olympics track and field for the first time this year and it was one of the most best times I've ever had.View Story ▼I am 13 and I went to Special Olympics track and field for the first time this year and it was one of the most best times I've ever had. My teacher has been teaching us everything about it and many students and teachers from our school volunteer and they love it. It was an amazing experiment and I hope to go back next year. To be honest I thought learning about it would be boring but I learned so much. I met some amazing people while being there. Before, I used the r-word, not much but enough and then I realized what it meant and stopped. It had taught me so much. It's a life skill I will take with me through life for a very long time. I encourage so many people to just go and see the athletes smiling and so happy while competing whether they lose or win. It's a lifetime experience!

About Jaden Leeman :I am 13 and a volunteer for Special Olympics.
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May 15, 2013 | North America: Delaware

It is not fair that the different kids get picked on!

By Katie Stubbs

I was walking with my friend into the school. I was a helper with the program for kids who had disabilities. I saw my friend Emma walk by. She was crying.View Story ▼I was walking with my friend into the school. I was a helper with the program for kids who had disabilities. I saw my friend Emma walk by (she has Down syndrome). She was crying. I started walking with her and I asked her why she was crying. She said someone made fun of her because she had a disability. Later that day, I walked up to my friends and said, "I don't know why people were making Emma feel bad." Then, I kind of felt really bad so I walked out to the bus with Emma. She was very happy. I feel very good that i was supporting her.

About Katie Stubbs:I am 13 years old. I am in middle school. I just started getting involved with the kids who have disabilities. I love them already! They are so nice! They are so fun and very funny!
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May 15, 2013 | North America: Maryland

"Not a big Deal"

By Bryan Cahill

The word used to always come out the same as another. Using it around me friends commenting it on social network sites. But after spending time with specially challenged classmates/athletes made the word become harder to say.View Story ▼The word used to always come out the same as another. Using it around me friends commenting it on social network sites. But after spending time with specially challenged classmates/athletes made the word become harder to say. Almost as if I had regret about saying it. Lately, if I see the word I will direct someone here, hoping they'd understand the hurtfulness of the word. I know we're all guilty of using it, but that doesn't mean we cant begin to ask people not to say it because you feel like a hypocrite. Spread the word to end the word.

RELATED VIDEO: This is a link to a video project some classmates and I worked on about FLS students and how Unified Sports make an impact on the entire student body. Enjoy.Check out the video on You Tube

About Bryan Cahill:Student at Severna Park High School. Participant in Unified Sports. Research Group: Project UNIFY
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  • I worked with adults with profound mental disabilities for many years. Those were some of the most rewarding times of my life. I can't and won't tolerate the degrading of...

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    Angela Mills

    Hot Springs, Arkansas
    372 hours ago

  • No body should have to be treated differently just because they're different from other people. Everybody is different, so why treat someone a little more different than ...

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    Emma

    Verona, Wisconsin
    379 hours ago

  • i have a typical autism and in my last year of high school when i was catching the bus home i use public transport some younger kids who went to my high school throw pape...

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    Julia Young

    Dunedin, New Zealand
    458 hours ago

  • The students, faculty and staff of McCall helped to Spread the Word to End the Word on April 10, 2013. More than 700 students took the pledge by signing a banner in the c...

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    McCall Middle School

    Winchester, Massachusetts
    460 hours ago

  • These people may have different needs, they may not be the same as us, but that doesn't mean that they're worse than us. Every person has a purpose and I'm sure that a pe...

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    Nathan Zammit

    Qawra, Malta
    463 hours ago

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