Spent the morning with Best Buddies of Broward for their annual festival at Brian Piccolo park.  My project was to staff the booth (with Joan and the kids) where we were soliciting passer-byers to pledge to “End Using the ‘R’ Word”. Since nearly everyone there was a supporter, family member or participant of Best Buddies, we quickly filled up our bed sheet with the signatures of folks who promised to not use the “R” word. It was a beautiful day and sunshine and friendship were in abundance.

The “End the R-word” campaign is directed at reminding people that calling someone a “retard” is hurtful and dehumanizing. For many Americans it’s something they don’t think about – but if they did would realize how insensitive it can be. There are lots of people trying to change behavior and you can visit any number of websites to see what you can do. (e.g…  http://therword.org/ or  http://www.r-word.org/?pg=2 )  Also, visit http://www.bestbuddies.org/  to get involved in your own community.