The R-word, “retard,” is slang for the term mental retardation. Mental retardation was what doctors, psychologists, and other professionals used to describe people with significant intellectual impairment. Today the r-word has become a common word used by society as an insult for someone or something stupid. For example, you might hear someone say, “That is so retarded” or “Don’t be such a retard.” When used in this way, the r-word can apply to anyone or anything, and is not specific to someone with a disability. But, even when the r-word is not said to harm someone with a disability, it is hurtful.

Because of this, Special Olympics, Best Buddies and the greater disability community prefers to focus on people and their gifts and accomplishments, and to dispel negative attitudes and stereotypes.  The purpose of the Spread the Word to End the Word® campaign is to raise peoples’ awareness of the derogatory use of the R-Word (retard or retarded) and its negative effects on people with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families and friends. However, this campaign is about more than just raising awareness of the R-word; it is also about changing attitudes of segregation and hate, to attitudes of acceptance and respect.

One Student's Story 

Soeren Palumbo was a High School student in Chicago in 2007 who had a younger sister with intellectual disabilities.  He was sick of hearing fellow classmates use the word "retard or retarded" throughout the halls. Watch the video of his speech that he made in front of the student body that earned him a standing ovation from his classmates.  Read his speech.

Watch the News Feature about his story.

Resources

Watch the Special Olympics R Word Public Service Announcement.

How do Special Olympics athletes feel about the word "retard"? -  Watch Eric's story and find out.

Take the Pledge

Join thousands of others and make a pledge to help Spread the Word to End the Word with a new "R" word - Respect.  Over 300,000 people have taken the pledge.  You be next!

R-Word Posters

Show your commitment to the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. ​Print out a poster for your school, sign it and encourage classmates to sign it too.

Poster size (17 x 11)

Legal size (8.5 x 14)

Special Olympics Disability Language Guidelines

There are many ways for schools to get involved and host their own Spread the Word to End the Word campaign any time of the year.   For more information about getting your schools involved, please contact Heather Jones at heatherj@sonc.org or 925-944-8801 x 232.

What will you do to help Spread the Word to End the Word?