SPREAD the word to END the word

March 4th is a very important day; it is the annual day of awareness for ending the use of the 'R' word. The S.I.F.F. (Sharing Interests Forming Friendships): Allies for Inclusion club, now Unify WWU had a booth in Red Square on campus today advocating for ending the 'R' word in our everyday language, educating peers on the impact this hurtful word can have on others, and allowing them to pledge. Sydney says the R-word "hurts her feelings" and it hurts mine too because I love and care about Sydney. Sydney is more than her disability and should not be associated with a word that is so negative, destructive, and hurtful. Words are extremely powerful. They have the power to change how others feel, view themselves, and interact with others. The 'R' word is just like a racial slur, its wrong. Describing a person with this word, or even using it in your vocabulary is not only hurtful, but promotes the negative perceptions of those with disabilities that are so important to discard. I have abandoned this word because I care about love, friendship, respect, human rights, equality, and people and I encourage you to do the same. This small change can make a huge impact on your life and on the lives of others. Let's start uplifting each other and finding the things about each one of us that makes us special and important. SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD. Pledge now at http://www.r-word.org/r-word-pledge.aspx.