Replace the “R-Word” with “Respect”

The “r-word” or “retard(ed)” has become common and seems largely acceptable in society today. But, words have meaning, impact, and consequences.

The word hurts, even if it is not directed at one of the millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For too long, people with disabilities have faced negative stereotypes. The “r-word” keeps those stereotypes alive. It is one of the burdens cited most frequently by our Special Olympics athletes. Now is time for a change, and we can all be part of it.

Let’s all pledge to replace the “r-word” with “respect” in our vocabulary. A simple change, but what a difference it can make – in our schools, our workplaces, and our communities! After all, the word “respect” exemplifies what people feel when they see Special Olympics athletes in action – they see through the stereotypes and instead witness humanity, joy in competition, pride and potential.

Everyone is invited to join Special Olympics in the campaign to “Spread the Word to End the Word.” With thousands of others, pledge to stop using the “r-word” online at www.r-word.org. Together, we can reach our goal of 100,000 pledges by March 3rd.

Join with us in choosing a different word – respect – a word with a different meaning, a different impact, and ultimately much different consequences for all of us.

Matthew Aaron
President and CEO
Special Olympics Pennsylvania

Take the R-word Pledge

Thousands of people have taken the pledge to stop using the word "retard" as an insult or a putdown. Take the R-word pledge today and let everyone know that you are ready to "change the conversation" right now.

It's Time to Take the Plunge!

This year's Special Olympics Pennsylvania Polar Bear Plunge is quickly approaching!
The Polar Bear Plunge is a fundraising event that challenges an individual or group to enter into a cold body of water in order to raise money for Special Olympics. Plunge participants set a fundraising goal and get pledges from family, friends and colleagues for their commitment to be “freezin' for a reason.” By being a part of the Plunge challenge, you are allowing thousands upon thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience a brighter tomorrow. If you dare to take the Plunge and warm the hearts of more than 20,000 Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes this year, register today!

For more information on how you can register to take the Plunge, visit: http://www.plungepa.org/

Coupons for a Cause

Special Olympics and P&G are excited to celebrate 30 years of working together! December 27th kicks off the P&GbrandSAVER coupon promotion. Get a coupon book in your local newspaper, save big bucks on your favorite products, and help raise money for Special Olympics: for every coupon redeemed, P&G will donate 3 cents to Special Olympics. http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/brandsaver-coupons.jsp

Spreading Joy, One Song at a Time

Spreading Joy, One Song at a Time
I wanted to tell you about this end of year effort launched by Special Olympics. When you make an online donation in the name of friends and family as holiday gifts, your loved ones will receive a card with a certificate for a free holiday song download. It’s a great alternative holiday gift for those on your holiday list who are most difficult to shop for and the money supports a great cause, giving more people with intellectual disabilities a chance to participate in Special Olympics, train, compete, gain self-confidence and acceptance. Find out more here and I hope you consider participating! www.SpecialOlympics.org/giftofsong

National Portrait Gallery Unveils EKS Portrait

On Saturday, May 9th, the National Portrait Gallery hosted a ceremony to unveil a portrait of Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. This was the first time a portrait of someone other than a President or First Lady has been commissioned.

What a wonderful tribute to our Founder and to the Special Olympics movement! And, Andy Leanord and Loretta Claiborne, two of the five athletes featured in the portrait with Mrs. Shriver, have competed in Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Read more in the May 9th post on the NPG blog at:
http://face2face.si.edu/

Reaction to President Obama's Comment on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno

President Obama's comment about Special Olympics was wrong and hurtful. While he immediately realized his mistake and called Tim Shriver, the Chairman of Special Olympics International, to apologize, this demonstrates how pervasive negative stereotypes about Special Olympics and people with intellectual disabilities remain in our society. We still have a lot of work to do to change mindsets and create a world where our athletes are accepted and recognized for their abilities, not their disability.

You can read my full statement at:
http://www.specialolympicspa.org/press/press.php

Matt Aaron
President and CEO
Special Olympics Pennsylvania