Join in the state-wide celebration on Wednesday, March 1. Get your entire school community to pledge to include!

• 2023 RESOURCES = Toolkit, including school-wide promotion tools and ideas, mass communication (e.g. morning announcements), classroom activities, and MORE!
• On-line Pledge form – available HERE.
• 2022 RESOURCES

What
SPREAD THE WORD >> INCLUSION, a campaign created and reimagined by youth, is intended to promote the creation of a new reality: inclusion for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This campaign empowers grassroots leaders across Maryland to engage and influence their schools, communities, and workplaces by advocating for language and practices that are respectful and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year for Spread the Word, the theme is “Going All In(clusive).” This campaign was created and reimagined by youth, with the intention of promoting the creation of a new reality: inclusion for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Make the pledge to live life inclusively. Share about how you will “Go All In!” We need more advocates for inclusion, so pledge for yourself then get your school community to pledge for inclusion as well!

When
The annual day of awareness is held on the first Wednesday of March. While most activities are centered on or near that annual day in March, people everywhere can help spread the word throughout their communities and schools year-round through pledge drives, youth rallies, and online activation.

Who
Spread the Word to End the Word (now Spread the Word>> Inclusion) was founded by college students, and continues to be led by passionate young people, along with Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies participants across the United States and in many other parts of the world.

Why
Language affects attitudes. Attitudes impact actions. Fostering positive and respectful language and action is essential to the movement for the full, dignified inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all elements of society.

Contact
Maryland Unified Champion Schools Team – UCS@somd.org, or call/text: Megan Larson, 720-331-1599; mlarson@somd.org