THESE PENNSYLVANIANS TOOK THE PLEDGE.

They understood the importance of promoting a society where we are recognized more for our similarities than our differences.

Thousands of people pledged to do their part to end the stigma against people with disabilities!

TAKING THE PLEDGE WAS EASY.

People signed an electronic petition in support of ending stigma. Also, people were encouraged to include an action they would take to help put a stop to the stigma against people with disabilities.

Following are some of the responses to the prompt, “I pledge to take the following action against stigma.”

Warren Jones

As a school bus driver i transport children with disabilities. They are children who are excited to go to school as any child is. A person with a disability is a person to me that is all.

Kristen

i will respect it

Heather

Spread awareness, call out stigma

Nathan Bowser

I pledge not to judge people by how they look. We all need to realize that there are many invisible illnesses people have that we have no idea what they are going through.

Rose M. Banner

Talk about my bracelet and why i am wearing it.

Erica Lauryn

By signing this pledge and making others more aware of it of ways they can help as well..

T.O.

Everybody is going to have a disability someday. And I am more in the community helping people to understand how people with disabilities can do everything like normal.

Bianca Thompson

Talk openly and honestly about my illness. Encourage others to see people living with mental illness as a people first.

Kimberly Martin

Talk to my niece's & nephew's and their friends explaining that even though people may have disabilities, it does not make them less of a person. Nor does it mean they're deserving of ridicule, laughter, and/or bullying!

Coley

I will help inform people about those with disabilities ending the ignorance will help end the stigma

Kristi

It may be small, but I have taught my young kiddos to never judge anyone based on ability. Their cousin,my nephew is 7 years old and has Non verbal autism and my kids will tell anyone that stares or makes comment's that their older cousin has autism and that he is just like everyone else, he just communicates differently than we do. My kids are 1 month, 3yrs, 4yrs and 5yrs old, and they already know to never discriminate based on looks, illness,disability etc. My hope is that myself and my children can educate others, and hopefully make a difference!

Olivia

Treat disabled persons no differently than anyone else.

Rachael Gallagher

You don't "look" sick or disabled so you must be just lazy

Genna

To stand up for anyone with any disability if it's necessary.

britt brat

do everything in my power I can to help

Linda Zane, Slippery Rock University

Using people-first language!

Venus

Treat people with respect, regardless!

Jasmin Perez, Supportive concept

Do all I can to help protect and defend for those who treated different because of their differences.

Rafi Mills

I pledge to never unfairly treat a disabled person as they are regular people too.

Andrew – Cindy

Address disability issues and encourge their consideration when doing projects for my work, (Transit agency) every day

All-ways Care Services

To create a place for young adults to continue their education and become more confident to enter the workforce and live inclusively in their community.

Destiny

To support and help people with physical and mental disabilities.

Ken Carl

I am physically disabled and I'm tired of people thinking that I don't work because I'm lazy. I physically cannot work. Stop the stigma!

Nick Tausendfreundt

Try and get people to understand and talk about it

4 Wheel City

We will Continue to carry out our mission which goes as follows: 4 Wheel City is an entertainment organization started by Namel “Tapwaterz”Norris and Ricardo “Rickfire” Velasquez two talented hip-hop artists and motivational speakers in wheelchairs due to gun violence. Our mission is to use hip-hop music and culture to create more opportunities for the disabled and inspire people not to give up in life. In addition, show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equally.

Amanda Lukoff

I pledge to help change the conversation about people with disabilities with my documentary film 'The R-Word' which confronts the word retard(ed).

Javier

I pledge to end the stigma against people with disabilities

Desiree

I pledge to help those with disabilities fight for equality and fair treatment.

Kimberly

I pledge to spread information in regards to stigma.

Torie shell

To tell people it not appropriate

Melissa mcclaine

I am a chronic pain sufferer I have a not so known disease called interstitial cystitis no one understands we look fine but we're hurting it's hard to be social because you need the restroom all the time. I have educated people about this it's how I take a stand

Andrea B.

To say something when I hear another person dehumanizing someone because of their disability.

DeChantal

Treat people like people not like a diagnosis

Donna Laning

by continuing the conversation and spreading awareness.

Becky Bennett

I try to educate people by passing along accurate information about disabilities and encouraging others to do the same. I teach children with disabilities, and I know that they deserve as much respect as every other human being.

Gina Pastino

Advocate for all!

Deshawna

I pledge to let people all around the world, know we are the same, I have an mental illness and I consider myself just like everyone else. Give us a chance and maybe you will know more than you think you do.

Katrina

I will speak up when others use demeaning language or false assumptions about people with disabilities. I will be open about my own struggles with mental illness and encourage others to do the same.

Jamie Hudzik

Disabled people can still do things. We need to see their abilities.

carol kieda

I think disabilities are way out of line. People can still do things, they are able not dis-abled.

Erica Rae McKelvey

I pledge to continue to hold my head high and dare the world to call me "broken" because I am an ADHD adult with bipolar disorder, who requires 3 different prescription meds to be able to live in this world without screaming at the top of my lungs.

Phillip Trey

Listen with the intent to understand

Haley

By helping my children understand these stigmas and the truth, hoping this is impact future generations and the stigmas will cease to exist.

Taylor Renee Williamson

I pledge to end the stigma against individuals with disabilities.

ALISSA L HILLIARD

I WILL ALWAYS STAND UP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. MY YOUNGEST IS A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD.

Nicole Rodgers

Speak out if I see anyone discriminating against somebody with disabilities and also help anyone that I see during my daily travels that would need assistance

Susan L. Edney

Please consider joining me and pledging to educating everyone to be KIND to people with disabilities.

Evan King

I pledge to defend and stand up for people with disabilities.

Michal krier

Put a stop to stigma

Lisa S. Reed

I pledge to try to explain to people that having a disability doesn't mean I'm less of a person than "able-bodied" people are, I just have to be more careful and creative than other people.

Dorine Clausen

To educate others more about disabilities and that we are human just like anyone else.

toni orsburn

defeand people with disabilities

Olympic

Raise awareness

Matt Berwick

I plan to continue to educate individuals on what people with disabilities can really do!

Alyssa

To treat and speak to everyone equally despite their physical appearances

Monica Trabert M.A.

To make awareness to some that disabilities, are fine. People just want to be treated fairly and Given a chance to be like everyone else

Judy Rabedeau

Send this site to others to take the pledge. Educate people who are close to me.

amanda skinner

I pledge to make a difference

macey F.

i pledge to make a difference

Cindy Brubaker

I will share on social media all positive actions which involve persons with disabilities. I always encourage hiring of persons with disabilities when I have the chance