Taken from the website:
“Spread the Word to End the Word is an on-going effort to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word. The campaign is intended to get schools, communities and organizations to rally and pledge their support.”
My sister, Carrie, has Down Syndrome, and it has always bothered me how people can use retard(ed) in such a derogatory way about her and others with intellectual disabilities. I know some people use the R-word without meaning to cause harm or be disrespectful, but using the R-word only reinforces the stereotypes that people with intellectual disabilities are less valuable members of society. But they’re not! Please join me in taking the pledge to end the R-word.
I know I used this picture a few years ago, but since Carrie’s birthday is this weekend, I thought it was fitting :) Happy Birthday, Carrie! I love you!!
StarSpry 
I will so gladly join you. I’m positive I’ve shared before that a high school boyfriend had a sister with probably Downs but I don’t recall, and yet, Diane impacted my life far more than her brother did. I wonder often about how she’s doing… she would be roughly 47 now…
LikeLike
PS – Do wish Carrie a most wonderful birthday too. Love the party hats. ;)
LikeLike
Thank YOU, Terrie! I’ll make sure that Carrie sees you used her photo – again! :) :)
LikeLike
i just took this pledge thanks for posting about it
i worked in a group home with lower functioning peeps in college and really enjoyed it, and it too saddens me when clients (usually in higher functioning homes) would ask me why people would say that word to describe something. I myself was guilty of this and had made a conscious effort to stop it, and that was back in 1996.
i love the picture of your sister and the kitty, i hope she has a very happy birthday!
LikeLike
I hope you have a very Happy Birthday, Carrie! Your happy smile made me feel happy inside!
LikeLike