Hello! My name is Carlyn Head and I am a senior at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, NC. For my graduation project I have been researching Treatment of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. By signing this pledge you are giving your word to:

-Remove the use of the R-word (retarded) from your vocabulary. It is in every sense outdated and derogatory.

- Begin to use "person first language" when referring to an individual with an intellectual disability instead of "my autistic friend" use "my friend with autism", it's less of a label and more of an aspect

- Commit to being an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. By embracing our differences and making the conscious decision to use "I care" language we can achieve the goal of having a socially aware society.

Please sign your name and LEAVE YOUR STATE IN THE COMMENT SECTION. I am hoping to collect signatures from across the country to make this message wide spread various communities. Thank you so much for your help!

xx

Carlyn