PRINTER'S NO. 616
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
61
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY STEFANO, MARCH 28, 2017
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 28, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of March 2017 as "Spread the Word to End
the Word Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities have unique gifts and talents to share with their
families, friends and communities; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities enjoy sharing life experiences, including listening
to music, playing video games, watching the latest movies and
having fun, as well as working together toward athletic
excellence, mutually enriching one-to-one friendships and
contributing to society in many ways; and
WHEREAS, As much as 3% of the world's population, 200 million
people, have intellectual disabilities, the largest disability
population in the world; and
WHEREAS, The demeaning use of the words "retard" or
"retarded," also known as the "R-words," are common taunts or
may often unwittingly be used to denote behavior that is clumsy,
hapless and even hopeless, whether intentional or not; and
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WHEREAS, These words conjure up a painful stereotype of
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, "Spread the Word to End the Word" is an ongoing
effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and other supporters to
inspire respect and acceptance through raising the consciousness
of society about how hurtful words and disrespect can be toward
individuals with intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians can help eliminate the demeaning use
of these words from current youth vernacular, creating a more
accepting world for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and recognizing that these
individuals have unique gifts and talents to share; and
WHEREAS, Young people can raise awareness of the dehumanizing
and hurtful effects of the words "retard" or "retarded," also
known as the "R-words," encouraging others to think before they
speak; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of March 2017
as "Spread the Word to End the Word Month" in Pennsylvania and
encourage all residents to work within their communities to
eliminate the use of the words "retard" and "retarded" and to
increase awareness, understanding and respect for individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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