Each year, schools across Illinois celebrate Respect Week. This celebration is derived from the Spread the Word Campaign that originally worked to promote the end of using derogatory terms to describe people with disabilities. This campaign now focuses on inclusion for people with disabilities. In Illinois, we celebrate Respect for All – no matter the disability, gender, race, etc. – each year to promote respect.
This year, we are taking our Respect Week Celebration virtual! With many schools still working in a hybrid or virtual learning environment, we have developed a Spirit Week with events and awareness promotions to engage schools on social media as well as in their classrooms.
If you would like to purchase merchandise celebrating Respect Week, please visit our store at www.soill.org/respect-shirt-orders.
All of the action for Respect Week happens on the Unified Champion Schools social media channels so be sure to follow them (below) and get ready for a fun-filled Respect Week.
Want to add a Respect Week frame to your Facebook profile photo?
Go to your profile on the Facebook app and tap “Edit” on your profile picture. Then tap “Add Frame” and search for “Respect Week 2021.”
Check out the buttons below to learn the details and themes for that day and what activities you can expect. Each day will kick off with a video message from our YAC explaining what they day will entail; a coloring fact page sharing information about that day’s theme; and a daily kindness challenge. The rest of each day will be filled with activities specific to that day.
Respect Rocket League Night
On Wednesday, March 3, we will be hosting a Unified eSports Night! Anyone interested in joining to play Rocket League can register here.
Since Rocket League can be played cross platform, all with access to the game are welcome to join in the fun. This Unified event will start at 6:00 PM and run until 8:00 PM.
Respect Week Schedule
Monday
Rainbow Day / Healthy Lifestyles Awareness
7:30 AM: Intro Video
7:45 AM: Fact/Ribbon page + Kindness Challenge released
2:00 PM: Trivia
3:30 PM: Unified Fitness (LIVE on Facebook)
4:30 PM: What Makes Us Unique? (LIVE on Instagram)
Tuesday
Red Day / Cardiovascular Awareness
7:30 AM: Intro Video
7:45 AM: Fact/Ribbon page + Kindness Challenge released
10:00 AM: School/Selfie Challenge
12:00 PM: Door Decorating Contest
3:00 PM: How Are You Engaging the Community? (LIVE on Instagram)
Wednesday – RESPECT DAY
Blue Day / Down Syndrome and Autism Awareness
7:30 AM: Intro Video
7:45 AM: Fact/Ribbon page + Kindness Challenge released
9:00 AM: Autism and Down Syndrome Awareness Video
10:00 AM: Virtual Banner Signing
12:00 PM: Create Your Own ‘You Can’t Mask Respect’ Display Contest
2:00 PM: Recognizing Your Peers and Unified Partners
3:45 PM: What Respect Means to Us / How to Show Respect (LIVE on Instagram)
Thursday
Green Day / Cerebral Palsy + Muscular Dystrophy Awareness
7:30 AM: Intro Video
7:45 AM: Fact/Ribbon page + Kindness Challenge released
10:00 AM: Mint Shake Tutorial
1:00 PM: Awareness Facts Video and Quiz
3:30 PM: What Positive Changes Can Respect Make in Your School? (LIVE on Instagram)
Friday
Orange Day / ADHD + Sensory Processing Disorder
Freezing Friday will celebrate schools and students who will be taking the 2021 Polar Plunge. If you are participating, you can share your pictures today with #FreezingFriday and #BeBoldGetCold as a part of Respect Week.
7:30 AM: Intro Video
7:45 AM: Fact/Ribbon page + Kindness Challenge released
12:00 PM: This Week’s Contest Winners Announced (LIVE on Instagram)
2:00 PM: How to Make a Sensory Bottle
4:00 PM: Orange You Glad It’s Friday memories from the week