Partners in Learning is asking for the public’s support in its Spread the Word to End the Word campaign to help make a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to many.

The “R-word” has found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by most, despite the fact that its use, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those that love them.

The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For too long, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have had to overcome the challenges society has put forth through stereotypes. It is time for a change and the public can help.

Special Olympics athletes/Best Buddies participants accomplish great things, are members of local communities and churches and deserve the same respect and dignity that each person expects from others in return in their daily lives.

“We take the opportunity each year to help raise awareness of how harmful this word is. The r-word is so derogatory and people don’t understand how powerful it is. History has proven that words carry power and often have been used with reckless disregard to the people it is affecting. Our dream is that there will be a day when the word is no longer a part of our English language,” said Norma Honeycutt, executive director of Partners in Learning.

The agency asks for people to help drivechange that will bring acceptance and inclusion to the community. Partners in Learning will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 2 for persons to sign the pledge to end the word, or people can pledge online at www.r-word.org.