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Editor 1 — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:04:49 GMT

Spread the Word to End the Word is a youth driven campaign and every day there are young people, as well as family members and advocates, who are creating change in schools and communities.

How To Discuss the R-word with Others Dialogue 1

Editor — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:10:04 GMT

Having a conversation about the r-word can be difficult and often uncomfortable. This dialogue scenario will help guide you through conversations with friends or family members who use the R-word.

How to Discuss the R-word with Others Dialogue 2

Editor — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:18:33 GMT

Having a conversation about the r-word can be difficult and often uncomfortable. This dialogue scenario will help guide you through conversations with others as you collect R-word pledges in your school or community.

History of the Campaign

Editor — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:56:56 GMT

In response to Special Olympics athletes’ call for change, the Special Olympics International Board of Directors adopted a resolution to update the movement’s terminology from “mental retardation” to “intellectual disabilities” in 2004. Read about the history of the campaign.

Why Pledge-old

Will — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:34:14 GMT

WHY PLEDGE: What is the R-word and why is its use a problem? When they were originally introduced, the terms “mental retardation” or “mentally retarded” were medical terms with a specifically clinical connotation; however, the pejorative forms, “retard” and “retarded” have been used widely in today’s society to degrade and insult people with intellectual disabilities.

3-2-11 Photos Shared via Facebook & Twitter

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:28:29 GMT

See photos shared via Facebook & Twitter from the March 2, 2011 day of awareness for Spread the Word to End the Word!

Best Buddies Wisconsin

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:36:10 GMT

Best Buddies Wisconsin - Best Buddies chapters across the state of Wisconsin helped Spread the Word to End the Word on March 2, 2011. Check out a collection of photos from the events.

Celebrities Spread the Word via Twitter

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:52:12 GMT

Organizations and celebrities support the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign

End the Word at the University of Notre Dame

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:53:28 GMT

Students at the University Notre Dame help change the conversation and promote respect. See pictures from their R-word rally.

End the Word in Colorado

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:54:32 GMT

Photos from Spread the Word to End the Word events from around the state of Colorado.

Spread the Word in Delaware

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:55:41 GMT

Photos from Spread the Word to End the Word events from around the state of Delaware, including: St. Marks High School, University of Delaware, Tower Hill High School, Christina High School, Middleton High School, Smyrna High, Hodgson Technical High School, Newark High School & Concord High School.

Project UNIFY Georgia Spreads the Word

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:24:37 GMT

Project UNIFY Georgia Spreads the Word - Pictures from R-Word Day at the Georgia State Capital

Spread the Word at University of Tennessee Knoxville

SOI — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:57:50 GMT

Photos from Spread the Word at University of Tennessee Knoxville

Washington State University Spreads the Word

SOI — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:53:18 GMT

Pictures for the Washington State University’s Disability Awareness campaign which featured free t-shirt giveaways, a comedy performance by Kathy Buckley, America’s first hearing impaired comedienne and the Able Games competition.

'I Am a Person' PSA

SOI — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:27:04 GMT

'I Am a Person' PSA - A Spread the Word PSA created by youth and shared by LeFriendShip.

2011 Spread the Word to End the Word PSA

SOI — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:09:43 GMT

2011 Spread the Word to End the Word PSA - A 2011 Spread the Word to End the Word PSA created by Gerryanne22. The r-word is very disrespectful and degrading. Please spread the word to end this awful term and promote acceptance among individuals.

A Father Spreads the Word

SOI — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:12:22 GMT

This video features a father that speaks with City Council members in an effort to Spread the Word to End the Word.

Boston University Changes the Conversation

SOI — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:13:43 GMT

Boston University Changes the Conversation - As a part of the national campaign Exceptional Educators Club at Boston University is creating a weeklong event on campus. This video is a part of this weeklong campaign to Spread the Word to End the Word.

Sarah Marince helps Spread the Word

SOI — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:16:46 GMT

Check out this great video of singer/songwriter Sarah Marince and her brother Michael talking about the hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)" and why you should take the pledge to stop saying the R-word and promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Delaware: Spread the Word at the Plunge

Editor — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:30:05 GMT

Special Olympics Delaware Spread the Word at the PlungeSODE Project UNIFY students "Spread the Word to End the R word" at the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Students from high schools raised awareness about the campaign to

Spread the Word at St. Marks HS - Amy K. speech

SOI — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:17:52 GMT

Amy Kosmalski was a guest speaker at St. Mark's High School's Blue Gold week assembly on Wed., March 2, 2011 for Spread the Word to End the Word Day.

Jersey Public Schools - Rally for Respect

SOI — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:21:04 GMT

Students from Jersey Public Schools performed songs of respect and acceptance during a Rally for Respect on March 4th.

Project UNIFY Oregon Spreads the Word

SOI — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:30:15 GMT

Students at Rainier High School, Forest Grove High School and Echo Shaw Elementary School took the pledge to end the R-word. Plus, Project UNIFY Oregon spread the word during a Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball game. At halftime, two unified basketball teams played a short game on the court.

In The News-old

Will — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:44:16 GMT

IN THE NEWS: Local NBA teams across the United States helped spread the message of respect and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities and activated fans to take the pledge to end the r-word.

NBA Helps Spread the Word to End the Word

SOI — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:26:38 GMT

Local NBA teams across the United States helped spread the message of respect and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities and activated fans to take the pledge to end the r-word.

Indiana Ends the R-word

SOI — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:04:10 GMT

The Disability Awareness Work Group in Indiana joins the national effort to end the "R" word. From CBS 10 WTHI TV.

Singing The Blues to End the Use of the R-word

SOI — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:49:32 GMT

The ARC Of Monroe Gregory Street Blues Band is using music to help end the r word. From WHAM 13 ABC.

Mya and Noah Ban the R-word

SOI — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:34:39 GMT

Some adorable and wise words from a little girl who loves her brother and wants you to end the R-word!

The Arc of Monroe County Spreads the Word

SOI — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:50:26 GMT

Video: The Arc of Monroe County Spreads the Word (from Democrat and Chronicle).

Government Support

SOI — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:50:19 GMT

Slideshow: Local Governments Support the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

Utah High Schools Take the Pledge

SOI — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:09:26 GMT

Photos: Utah High Schools Take the Pledge

Tsinghua University Takes the Pledge

SOI — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:23:25 GMT

Photos: Special Olympics Fan Club members at Tsinghua University in China help a Stop the R word event on March 25, 2011, collecting over 300 pledges in less than 1 hour.

Rob Johnson Speaks to Students about the R-word

SOI — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:03:47 GMT

Video: CBS 2 news anchor Rob Johnson talks about ending the use of the R word to students at Lyons Township High School in Western Springs, Illinois on March 24, 2011.

Oregon Youth Rally

SOI — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:33:10 GMT

Photos: Students with and without intellectual disabilities came together to end the r word as part of the “Make It Shine” Youth Rally put on by Project UNIFY Oregon.

Eddie Barbanell at University of Texas – Part 1

SOI — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:36:19 GMT

Eddie Barbanell at University of Texas: Special Olympics Board Director, actor and Special Olympics Florida athlete Eddie Barbanell talks to students at the University of Texas at Austin about the R word. Part 1.

Eddie Barbanell at University of Texas – Part 2

SOI — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:41:39 GMT

A.J. Hawk Helps Spread the Word

SOI — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:30:29 GMT

Video: A.J. Hawk of the 2010 2011 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers speaks with Michael Quesnell about the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign that took place at Kimberly High School.

Best Buddies Virginia Chapters Spread the Word

SOI — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 07:22:38 GMT

Slideshow: Best Buddies Virginia Chapters Spread the Word

Bench Bees Spread the Word to END the R-Word!

SOI — Wed, 04 May 2011 07:23:58 GMT

Video: Students from Bench Elementary Spread the Word to End the Word

Robby's R-word Cause

SOI — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:51:03 GMT

Video: Fight for an autistic 4 year old who was called a retard at the park by someone who should know better. Spread the word to end the word. Help us teach our daughters to be more proactive.

R-word PSA

SOI — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:53:02 GMT

This video was produced by Full Sail University. Learn why Special Olympics Florida is inviting everyone to help "Spread the Word to End the Word."

Special Olympics Virginia Spreads the Word

SOI — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:49:02 GMT

Video: Learn more about the damaging impact of the r word by watching this video featuring Special Olympics Virginia advocates and three powerful skits created by drama students at Massaponax High School in Spotsylvania County.

Spread the Word on Fox Providence

SOI — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:58:08 GMT

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

End the Word PSA

SOI — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:55:34 GMT

Spread the Word to End the Word PSA: Based on a PSA by Noah Gray, created by hodguccifilms.