Did you know that the Bellwood-Antis bocce team is doing a project to spread kindness and the stop bullying of people with a disability for the Spread the Word campaign?
In 2009, Spread the Word was created to end the use of the R-word, which is the most common phrase used to demean, insult, and discriminate against people with disabilities. It has an extremely negative effect on social and self esteem of people its used against.
Bellieve it or not, use of the R-word was on the rise over the last decade. In 2017, 70% of teens said they vocalized the wrong and demeaning use of the R-word in conversation. Contrast that with 2009, when only 48% of teens spoke up against it.
This week, Bellwood-Antis has been spreading inclusion for Autism Awareness Week.
“We do this so everyone feels included and out in the school, making a promise to make sure you accept others and care for others and you want everyone involved,” said life skills teacher Mrs. Shannon Elder.
As one feature of the week, students were also encouraged to sign a pledge poster outside the cafeteria, vowing no to say the R-word.
Students dressed up for theme days throughout the week. Monday was hats off to inclusion, when students wore their favorite hat. Tuesday was blend together day. Students wore something tie dye. Wednesday was one school unified, so students wore BA blue and gold.
Thursday was sensory friendly day, encouraging kids to wear comfy clothes or PJs. Friday is wear red for autism acceptance.
