|
March 5, 2014 - Today marks the 5th anniversary
of Spread
the Word to End the Word, a universal
effort to eliminate demeaning language towards
people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and replace it with respect. I need
your help and ask that you activate your voice via
social media and throughout your community to pledge
support in both words and actions to create
communities of inclusion for people with IDD with
this pledge:
I pledge #RESPECT thru
my words & actions. Support the use
of respectful language for EVERYONE at www.r-word.org
Over the last 25
years in my role at Best Buddies, I have enjoyed
the opportunity to work and interact with people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities
each day. I'm constantly reminded that these
individuals have so much to offer us in regards to
the way they choose to see the world. Our
participants are the most amazing friends,
colleagues, and employees. I'm so grateful to have
them in my life. I don't want them to be exposed to
hurtful and demeaning language.
BILLY'S REMARKABLE
STORY
I'm in Boston today, which reminds me of the
story of Billy O'Brien. Billy began working with
Best Buddies in September 2010, and acquired a
position working as an Office Services Assistant
with Eaton Vance Investment Managers after having
been unemployed for more than a year prior. Since
then, Billy has grown from working 25 hours a week,
to working 35 hours a week, and also enjoys full
benefits such as health insurance, a 401(k) and
profit sharing.
WATCH Billy O'Brien & Eaton
Vance's Story on YouTube
The progression that Billy has
achieved within the company has been extraordinary.
Beyond Billy's work performance, he and his
co-workers have impacted one another greatly in
their unified efforts to create a truly cohesive and
integrated work atmosphere. Billy continues to work
and grow at Eaton Vance. He's a man who loves his
job, and he hopes to continue his career as an Eaton
Vance employee for many years to come.
I urge you to join Best Buddies in our effort to
support individuals like Billy and Spread the
Word to End the Word by
visiting www.r-word.org and
taking the pledge to stop using the r-word now and
forever.
I'M DOWN WITH YOU
(FREE DOWNLOAD)
 After
you take the pledge, please enjoy a free download of
a phenomenal book and resource I'm
Down With You, about the incredible special
community of individuals with Down syndrome.
The book contains over 100 photographs in the form
of portraits and families along with essays by me,
Sharon Stone, and Jagatjoti Khalsa, photographer and
creator of I'm
Down with You.
Download I'm
Down With You,
FREE in the iTunes Store
Please take
the pledge today
and help create a more accepting world for all of
us. Thank you for everything you do to contribute to
the Best Buddies mission. Together, we are changing
the world!
In friendship,
Anthony K. Shriver
Founder & Chairman, Best Buddies International
|