Leadership
Participated
in a leadership role at TUN for students to pledge to end the R word. This took
place during lunch involving all graduate educational programs to have the
opportunity to pledge. Cookies were provided as an incentive for individuals to
participate as well as to initiate conversation in understanding the wrong of using
the R word. This took place for 3 days during lunch within the first week of
school to encourage individuals to use professional and appropriate language while
interacting with others of different programs. The pledge to end the R word is
an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and supporters to inspire
respect and acceptance through raising the consciousness of society about the
R-word and how hurtful words and disrespect can be toward people with
intellectual disabilities. The campaign was created by youth and was intended
to engage schools, organizations and communities to rally pledge their support
at www.r-word.org and to promote the
inclusion and acceptance 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. However,
much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive
effects of the R-word. Language affects attitudes and attitudes impact actions
so it is important that everyone pledges to end the R word.