Action Pledge

Take the original R-Word “My Words Matter” Pledge by Jenna Glatzer:

“I pledge that I will not use the words “retard” or “retarded” to mean “stupid.” I understand that this is hurtful to people who have disabilities and people who love them, so I will be careful with my words. I will also try to remember to pay attention when other people use these words, and I’ll ask them to stop. “

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NOTE: This site is an information resource.  We believe the discussion should take place in schools, at work and every place this word is heard and found offensive. Any comments that do not reflect that effort or do not include a valid email address will not be approved.

The “r” Word Campaign © 2007-2015, Rick & Wanda Felty – online since April 2007

Read 285 comments

  1. I’m a seventh-grade girl, and i hear this word every day by people my age. I have never used it other than speaking out about it in my entire life, and it just kills me when i hear my peers use it.

  2. Great site! Great cause! We’re all God’s children – each as valuable and important as the next. My daughters and I have talked about this in the past and they are spreading the word among their friends at school. Keep up the good work, all!

  3. i am so glad that there is a site to bring light to this issue. Being the older sister of a brother with downs syndrome, i truly am offended when people use this word in such a derogatory way. thank you from my family who love and honor this community of people who deserve a voice!

  4. I don’t like the word “Retard”, because it bothers me. I don’t like to be called that. I’m a 45-year old developmentally disabled person (or a handicapped person) living in a apartment. I don’t like it when people esp, teenagers call me that word, esp who would be delinquent, especially out in public.
    The word “Retard” hurts people, especially me, and evens offends me.

  5. I am a psychologist who specializes in working with people who have mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Long before I became a psychologist, I performed direct care work for individuals with mental retardation. When I found out about this site through a story I heard on NPR, I was so excited because I have been advocated for my friends and family to stop using ‘the r word’ for many years. It’s exciting to know that there is a national group devoted to this cause!! I know I’ve made a difference for many of those in my life and will keep striving to make more change!

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