Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) encourages all Texans to stop using the words “retard” and “retarded” as insults. Wednesday, March 7, is the national Spread the Word to End the Word activation and awareness day.

“Using the ‘R-word’ or ‘retard(ed)’ seems to be accepted by most. But its use is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who love them,” said Margaret Larsen, President and CEO of Special Olympics Texas. “Our athletes tell us that the use of those words makes them feel less than human—even when those words are used toward actions and not people. Please help us stop the use of this hurtful and unnecessary word.”

Primary and secondary students in many schools across Texas have planned special activities this week to encourage their fellow students to stop using a word that is hurtful to others. The students are part of the Project UNIFY - Meet in the Middle (MiM) program, an education-based program that promotes acceptance, inclusion and respect between students with and without intellectual disabilities in Texas schools. The program is currently active in 130 Texas schools.

“I’m heartened and impressed by the number of events that young Texans are planning for the ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ event on Wednesday,” Larsen said. “Students have been making videos, encouraging their classmates to take the pledge against using the ‘R-word’ and setting up informational booths on campus where their peers can collect information about the negative impact of the derogatory term. I’m looking forward to hearing even more about these remarkable events.”

Some schools have already started: a middle school in Laredo has collected 1,200 pledges—almost the entire student body—from people promising to stop using the R word. A high school in Bridge City collected more than 500 signatures last fall. Schools in Eanes and Round Rock ISD collected pledges in February. A student at Randolph High School is single-handedly running an awareness program at her school.

A selection of “Spread the Word to End the Word” videos made by Texas students:

·         West Orange-Stark High School: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPp-GR-3Ie0

·         Lewisville High School Killough campus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSZb5X66jHA

·         Bridge City Elementary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eG5vpz7bYA

Background on the R-word
In 2004, Special Olympics changed its terminology from mental retardation to intellectual disabilities in response to a call from our athletes who did not want to be associated with the negative connotations tied to the term, mental retardation.  The change in terminology also moves us forward, as a nation, to be more aligned with the international community.  It is our responsibility to spread the message that the R-word (and associated terms) is not only disrespectful and hurtful, but outdated. That is why Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is asking all Texans to take the pledge, ban the R-word and change their vocabulary. For more information on the R-word campaign: http://www.r-word.org/.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 44,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.

Co-Sponsors:
Coca-Cola Refreshments, Food Town, H-E-B Tournament of Champions
Charitable Trust and the Law Enforcement Torch Run