Respect Week is an annual, statewide movement where students celebrate during the first week in March by championing inclusion, kindness, and respect within their schools and communities.
Each year, the Special Olympics Illinois Unified Generation Committee develops the Respect Week campaign focusing on disability awareness and respect for all This statewide effort will reach more than 205,000 students across Illinois, creating real change through unified action.
The 2026 campaign will educate the community on disabilities like hydrocephalus, autism spectrum, microcephaly, craniosynostosis, ADHD, and more.
“Thank you to everyone who has promoted and encouraged engagement in this outstanding campaign,” shares Jillian Hosteny, Director – Youth Leadership & College Engagement, Special Olympics Illinois. “Our Youth Leaders are very proud of the work they have done.”
Respect Week promotes respect for all people, of all abilities, through shared activities and meaningful conversations. Schools across Illinois will spend the week celebrating what it means to be unified, to be kind, and to be courageous enough to speak up.
Standing Up Against Bullying
A key part of building a culture of respect is recognizing how our words and actions affect others, especially when it comes to bullying. This featured anti-bullying video encourages students to think deeply about how they treat one another.
Many of our Youth Leaders, like Unified pair Ireland and Derek, are already setting that powerful example. Special Olympics Illinois sat down with them to discuss bullying in schools.
One sign of respect is taking responsibility when you’ve hurt someone, according to Ireland. “Always apologize,” she says. “Realize what you did wrong and try to fix it.” Her message reminds us that change begins with acknowledging our impact and choosing to do better.
Derek adds another important perspective, calling on students to look out for one another. “Stop the hate, stop being mean to other kids.” His message is simple but strong: respect starts when we decide that every person deserves to feel safe and valued. He adds, “stop the bullying, just end it.”
These insights reinforce what Respect Week is all about, creating spaces where kindness is the norm, differences are celebrated, and students feel ready to stand up for themselves and each other.
Learn more about Unified Champion Schools and how your school and community can become involved.