Use of the words ‘retard’ or ‘retarded’ hurts millions of people. Most people don’t think of these words as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It's time to raise people’s awareness of the derogatory use of the r-word and instead focus on people’s gifts and accomplishments.

Advocates for Inclusion is promoting this idea by holding a pledge drive to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech. In return for your support we'll make a donation to the Special Olympics of Idaho. For each signature we receive AFI will donate $1 up to a total of $1,000. The pledge banner will be available to sign starting February 16 through March 4th at the Nampa and Boise AFI locations. Check the AFI Facebook page to find out when the banner will be available at each location. www.facebook.com/advocatesforinclusion

Language affects attitudes. Attitudes impact actions. Spread the Word…to End the Word™