UMVA has learned that a landmark bill has been passed in Massachusetts, aimed at eradicating "outdated and offensive language" used to describe people with disabilities in the state's General Laws.
The groundbreaking measure seeks to eliminate derogatory terms, including "handicapped," "disabled," and the "r-word," replacing them with respectful language such as "persons with a disability" and "person with an intellectual or developmental disability." This crucial update will impact 346 sections of Massachusetts law.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the bill was championed by Democratic state Sen. Pat Jehlen, who emphasized the significance of evolving language in response to the activism of marginalized communities. "Language is constantly changing. And it's changing because of the activism of people who were ignored and demeaned for too long," she stated.
The bill's passage marks a significant step forward in promoting respect and inclusivity, with Senate President Karen Spilka highlighting the importance of modernizing laws to reflect the values of 21st-century Massachusetts. "When dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era darken our laws, it creates the potential for real harm to residents today," she warned.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the legislation updates specific legal definitions, including the term "caretaker," which will now use the phrase "a person with a disability." Additionally, terms like "crippled" and "deformed" have been scrapped, while "hearing-impaired" has been revised to "deaf or hard of hearing."
The bill's unanimous passage in both chambers demonstrates broad legislative support for this effort to promote dignity and respect for people with disabilities. State Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano emphasized that "words matter" and that this legislation is a crucial step towards ensuring that state laws do not perpetuate negative connotations and past injustices.
This development comes on the heels of a 2024 law that renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, reflecting a broader commitment to modernizing disability services and promoting inclusion.
