Today is national Spread the Word to End the Word.  A day to raise awareness of use of the ‘R’ word.  The campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.

I know that as readers of my blog none of you would ever use the R word.  But you can still help.  The next time someone says the R word, call them out. Don’t let people get away with it.  You don’t have to be rude.  Just say “That is a really hurtful word.  And I have a nephew / neighbor / client / friend/ little boy I babysit / student etc. who has Down syndrome.  It makes me sad for him when I hear people use that word.”  Most people will be mortified.   They will apologize.  Most people don’t even realize they are saying it.  If you call them out once they most likely won’t use the word again.
If that doesn’t work tell them only Losers use the R Word.

Don’t Be A Loser!