The main goal of this movement is to create awareness among people. It informs them of the importance of using respectful language when referring to people with cognitive and development challenges. The movement goes ahead to inform the public that the victims of this derogatory statement can be able to live normally and achieve success without being regarded as retards.
This initiative started in the year 2009 amid the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Amid the occasion, a gathering of young people made up of people with and without intellectual inabilities chose to spread the message on ending the use of phrase retard. They used outfits that showed the message; Spread the Word to end the Word.
The movement has been using students in institutions all over the country who take a pledge against using the phrase retard. They also urge other individuals in the community to do the same. The 31st of March each year has been set aside as a day to commemorate the agenda of this movement. Public figures that have used the word before have been hugely condemned and asked to make pubic apologies. Some have gone ahead and taken the pledge themselves.
The initiative has used various strategies to accomplish its objectives. The major strategy has been through educating students in schools and colleges across the nation and then asking them to help spread this message. The movement has also utilized the social media platform to gain a wide coverage across different states. Platforms such as facebook and YouTube have enabled the group to get followers and ask them to take the pledge.
The passing of a light of appreciation additionally goes far in passing the message of the initiative. The light is moved in a hand to hand-off relay over 50 states. The transfer likewise involves raising money where people can contribute towards the honorable intention of the activity. With more funds, facilitators of this initiative can have the capacity to inform more people.
People joining this initiative are urged to share their different stories relating to what and how they chose to join it on its website. Such stories have urged more people to join the initiative and help it grow.
Celebrities have helped greatly in the goals of the movement. With their support, the initiative has been able to communicate to a wide audience. It is important to understand that people referred to as retards do not deserve this. They are just individuals with cognitive disabilities and deserve our care.
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