Spread the Word to End the R Word Awareness Week
Posted on May 7, 2012
I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.” (TYLERSPANOS POPLARBLUFF, Missouri)
This familiar pledge is part of a nationwide campaign to end the derogatory use of the R-word. Spread the Word to End the Word Day was on March 7th. The Wheaton Community has decided to expand this day to five day series of events meant to strengthen the relationship and acceptance of students with intellectual disabilities and to enhance our understanding of why the R-Word has become so dangerous. Join the community in taking part in the effort to end the exclusion of those with intellectual disabilities.
Beginning on Sunday, April 1st and continuing through Thursday, April 5th, Wheaton College Best Buds and the Chapel Basement will be sponsoring many events from a movie viewing, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape? to observing Light it Up Blue, a charity softball game, selling t-shirts and ending with a celebration recognizing the pledges to end the use of the R Word.
Check out the list below for a complete schedule of events:
SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD WEEK
Sunday, April 1: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
Movie screening in the Media Center in Balfour Hood. 6-8pm
Monday, April 2 - Wednesday April 4
Stop by the Spread the Word to End the R Word table in Chase and Emerson Dining from 12-2p.m. and 5-7p.m. You can learn about this nationwide campaign, sign the pledge to end the derogatory use of the R word and donate to the ARC. T-shirts for sale!
Monday, April 2: Light It Up Blue
Wear blue to show your support for Autism Awareness and stop by Emerson and Chase for a blue dessert today from 12-2pm.
Monday, April 2: Tony DeBlois Performance
Come listen to Tony, a talented blind and autistic musician. Sponsored by the Psychology Club, Best Buds, and the Music and Psychology Depts.
Woolley Room, Mary Lyon 4p.m.
Tuesday, April 3: Faculty/Staff vs. Students/Buddies Softball Game
Softball game with music, food, baked goods and t-shirts and a lot of fun! All proceeds go to the ARC. Game is at Clark field and begins at 4:45 pm.
Wednesday, April 4: (Dis) Abilities and Family Dynamics Discussion
Please join us to discuss family dynamics when someone in the family has special needs. This is a safe space to share and learn from each other. Lyon’s Den 6-8p.m.
Thursday, April 5: Volunteer Celebration
The final event of the week to celebrate the Wheaton pledges to end the derogatory use of the “r” word and see a video from the week’s events.
New Yellow Parlor Room, Balfour Hood at 4 pm.
Sponsored by the Chapel Basement and Best Buds
