Negative stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities are kept alive when people use demeaning words to insult each other. Too often, people use the words “retard” or “retarded” without thinking about the effects these words have on others.

If you are not sure how to refer to someone with an intellectual disability, call them by their name. That’s what they really want; to be thought of as no different from you or me.

Intellectual disabilities know no boundaries. A person with an intellectual disability could be your sister, your brother, your neighbor, your teammate, your classmate, your mentor, or your teacher. Most importantly, a person with an intellectual disability can be your friend.

Join Special Olympics Virginia and other Special Olympics programs across the world as we come together to eliminate the demeaning use of the r-word. Sign the r-word pledge today and take responsibility for the power that our words have on others.

For more information on how you, your company or your community can get involved, please contact us!