This document discusses a campaign to spread awareness about stopping the use of the R-word as a derogatory term for people with intellectual disabilities. It encourages people to pledge not to use the R-word, get involved by sharing their story or holding events, and advocate for more inclusive attitudes by using person-first language. While progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to spread awareness since hurtful terms still persist; small actions can contribute to big impacts over time.

1. Spread the Word to
End the Word
3.05.14

2. What?
Campaign to spread awareness to stop
using the R-word.
The preferred and updated
terminology is intellectual disability.

3. Why?
The R-word is a derogatory, exclusive
and offensive term.
Not using the word creates a
community of accepting attitudes.

4. Person First Language
Put the person before their disability.
A person might have a disability but
that doesn’t define who they are.

5. Examples:
Julie has autism vs.
Julie is autistic.
Aaron has a disability vs.
Disabled Aaron

6. Get Involved
1. Pledge.
2. Share your story.
3. Hold an event.
4. Advocate for others.

7. How I Got Involved

8. Brochures

9. Pledge

10. Pledge Online
R-word.org

11. Create A Conversation

12. Connect to Community
Collect donations for a local
organization that supports people with
disabilities.
Further the positive sense of
community.

13. Showing Their Support
Raffled out Tshirts so they
could wear
them on the
actual day.

14. With Respect

15. Small Changes,
Make Big Impacts

16. Won’t Change Overnight
This campaign has been going on for a
few years and there are still people
who use this hurtful term.
Need to continue to spread
awareness.

17. What You Can Do Now
Pledge online.
Speak up for people who don’t have a
voice.
Get involved.
Create a positive change in your
community.

19. Year-Round Support

20. Language affects attitudes.
Attitudes impact actions.
Pledge to use respectful language.