Today is an exciting day, because we are celebrating 15 years of Spread The Word! It started in 2009, when our movement joined forces with advocates across the country and launched Spread the Word to End the Word, a campaign dedicated to ending the use of the R-word. Fifteen years later, nearly ONE MILLION people have pledged to spread the word for inclusion.

Why is the pledge so important to us here at Special Olympics? By taking the Spread the Word pledge, you are stepping into the role of a leader committed to shaping a more inclusive world. 

Your pledge signifies a powerful stance against derogatory language targeted at individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). 

Your commitment calls for change, inspiring others to follow suit and join the collective effort to eliminate discriminatory language. 

And together, we can create a society where everyone is valued, celebrated, and free from the impact of harmful stereotypes.

That’s what your pledge means to us. 

You’ve been a big part of our movement and we want to ask you to take the next step to pledge and take action for a more inclusive world. Help us reach a million signers and help us Spread the Word.


Make your pledge and take action for a more inclusive world. 

Stand with us, 

Special Olympics