The Massachusetts House of Representatives recently voted to pass a bill focused on updating language in the state’s legislation relating to individuals with disabilities. According to a report by Mass.gov, terms once common such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and “the R word” will be systematically replaced with phrases like “persons with disabilities” and “persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.” This change is part of an ongoing effort to address hate speech and promote a more dignified representation of people with disabilities.
With the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) backing the legislation since March, Bill S.2563, also known as An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, aims to slowly but surely move the commonwealth forward. In an example of language’s impact shared by MDDC Policy Committee Chairperson Gyasi Burks-Abbott, he detailed how the labels given to him at a young age continued to define and restrict perceptions of his capabilities. “Language influences thought. When I was 3, I was diagnosed mentally retarded with a prognosis that I’d never make it beyond the sixth grade. And while the diagnosis was immediately disproven, the stigma of deficiency followed me for years,” Burks-Abbott told Mass.gov in a statement.
The passage of this bill is the result of continued efforts by lawmakers including Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) and Representative Michael Finn (D-Springfield), with Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington) introducing a companion bill. These legislators have been actively engaged with the disability community and have been recognized for their advocacy by both the MDDC and the Arc of Massachusetts at their Annual Legislative Reception…