Share This Story W/Your Friends Share GMU Best Buddies Arjun Hemphill, Caitlin Donovan, Ryan Gutkowski and Erin Thompson join Audi of America CEO Johan de Nyssen to Spread the Word to End the Word. Langley High School’s Pledge Banner.

by ALLISON COLES
Best Buddies Virginia

On March 3rd, Best Buddies, Special Olympics and supporters from across the world united in a grass roots movement that challenged the use of the R-word, an outdated word recognized for its hurtful impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In Virginia, chapters spread the word to end the word with planned activities and events that raised awareness in their communities about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-word.

From securing the support of student governments to visiting corporations to holding signing events on their campuses, BBVA’s Best Buddies did their part to ensure that the goal of receiving 100,000 pledges to stop using the R-word was met.

“It really seemed like we made an impact,” said HB Woodlawn’s Brian McGrail.  “Our chapter set up outside the cafeteria and asked everyone to sign our pledge banner.  I don’t think most people realized the negative impact of the word.  It was definitely eye-opening and I’ve heard people talking about it since.  It’s cool to think about, we made a difference.”

To learn more about the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign or to take the pledge, visit www.r-word.org or contact

Allison Coles
E:mail: allisoncoles@bestbuddies.org
Phone: (703) 533-9420.