By: Sarah Russell
On Monday, the Quinnipiac chapter of Best Buddies hosted their annual event Spread the Word to End the Word, which was a night for students and their buddies to share with others what makes their friendship so special. The event included talent acts by buddy pairs that involved singing, dancing, and rapping.
The goal of the event is to spread awareness of the negativity the r-word brings for so many people. Vice President of the Quinnipiac chapter, Erin Schirra, explained why the word is so unnecessary.
“It has no role in the medical terminology. People with mental and intellectual disabilities have intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Schirra said. “There is no r-word anymore.”
Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD, and their buddies spoke to the crowd about why they are so hurt by the word.
Best Buddies wants to make the word “respect” the new r-word, as they show the school community how important these friendships mean to them.
In past years, the event took place in the piazza. But with the growing attendance they have brought in for the event each year, they have quickly outgrown the space. This year, Spread the Word to End the Word took place in the Mount Carmel Auditorium. But even in a larger venue, students were sitting on the stairs of the auditorium, unable to get a seat.
The Quinnipiac chapter of Best Buddies was excited about the turnout and want students to continue the conversation about stopping the use of the r-word.
