“Spread the Word” Raises Awareness about Effects of the R Word

Several local organizations are working together to raise awareness about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard” and “retarded” and encouraging people to stop using these words.

The campaign is called “Spread the Word to End the Word” and is an ongoing effort by the Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and others. The effort is spearheaded by college students, Soeren Palumbo (Notre Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011), and led by young people, Special Olympics athletes, and Best Buddies partners across the country. Celebrity activist John C. McGinley of the hit show “Scrubs” is a spokesperson for the campaign.

An event will be held at the YMCA on Concord Road Feb 26th from 6:30p-8:30p to help get the message out – that respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. The event will feature family-friendly carnival-like activities, including face painting, putt-putt golf and a photo booth. Registration is required for the free event. Sign-up online here.

Special Olympics Tennessee, the  YMCA, Best Buddies, the Arc, Down Syndrome Association and TN Disability Coalition are co-hosted the event.

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