Spread the word

To the editor:

On March 3 throughout our country, youth are leading the second annual day of awareness to “Spread the Word to End the Word” by encouraging people to rally and pledge their support at www.r-word.org with the goal of reaching 100,000 pledges. The day will be devoted to educating and raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have in our communities and why the use of the R-word is hurtful, even in casual conversation.

Spread the Word to End the Word is a campaign created by youth in an ongoing effort with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International to engage schools, organizations and communities by raising the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encouraging everyone to stop using the R-word.

For years, Special Olympics has been addressing the pejorative use of the words “retard” and “retarded” by raising the consciousness of society about the hurtful and damaging impact those words have on people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Often unwittingly, the word is used to denote behavior that is clumsy, hapless and even hopeless. But whether intentional or not, the word conjures up a painful stereotype of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities.

In Alaska, youth involved in the Special Olympics Alaska School Program are actively participating in campaigns to end the derogatory use of this word. Students at East High School, Colony High School, Cordova High School and Service High School have taken the initiative to Spread the Word to End the Word in their schools. The extraordinary leadership and support shown by Alaska’s youth and teachers exemplify the importance of acceptance and inclusion of all people in our great state. These types of activities unite Alaskans and our Nation more than ever before.

To show your support, please go to www.r-word.org to take the pledge. For more information, please visit www.specialolympicsalaska.org or call 907-222-7625.

Jim Balamaci

President/CEO Special Olympics Alaska