The Massachusetts legislature has taken a significant step toward modernizing its laws by passing a bill to eliminate outdated and offensive terminology regarding individuals with disabilities. This legislative effort aims to reflect contemporary values and promote respect for people with disabilities by replacing derogatory language with more inclusive terms.

Bill Overview

The newly passed measure aims to eradicate various terms from the state’s General Laws, including “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the often disparaging “r-word.” In their place, the bill advocates for more respectful language, introducing terms such as “persons with a disability” and “person with an intellectual or developmental disability.”

Introduced by Democratic State Senator Pat Jehlen and supported by 17 co-sponsors, the bill represents a substantial legislative update that revises 346 sections of Massachusetts law. It now awaits final approval from Democratic Governor Maura Healey.

Importance of Language

Senator Jehlen emphasized the need for this change, stating, “Language is constantly changing. And it’s changing because of the activism of people who were ignored and demeaned for too long.” This sentiment underlines the intention behind the legislation, which seeks to honor the voices of those previously marginalized by outdated terms.

The bill proposes significant updates to the legal vocabulary used in reference to individuals with disabilities. Notably, it replaces “disabled person” with “person with a disability,” “handicapped” with “disability,” and “retarded” with “person with an intellectual or developmental disability.” Moreover, terms like “crippled” and “deformed” will be omitted entirely from legal texts.

Comprehensive Changes

The breadth of the legislation is notable, addressing not only superficial language changes but also revising the definitions used in Massachusetts law. For instance, the term “hearing-impaired” is now specified as “deaf or hard of hearing,” and “chronically ill” is to be recognized as “persons who are chronically ill.” Furthermore, the definition of “caretaker” will be updated to reflect more sensitive language, referring to caregivers of “a person with a disability.”

Senate President Karen Spilka remarked on the significance of these updates: “When dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era darken our laws, it creates the potential for real harm to residents today.” Her comments underscore the importance of using language that accurately represents the values and norms of contemporary society.

A Step Toward Inclusion

The timing of this reform aligns with a broader shift in the state’s approach to disability services. Earlier in 2024, Massachusetts renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a move attributed to enhanced efforts toward modernization and inclusivity.

Spilka continued, “Thanks to the voices of advocates like former Senate staff member Melissa Reilly and the leadership of Senator Jehlen and Senator Kennedy, the Legislature has acted to better represent who we are in 21st-century Massachusetts.”

Legislative Support

This legislation received overwhelming support across the political spectrum, passing with unanimous recorded votes in both the state House and Senate. Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano expressed the acknowledgment among lawmakers that “words matter,” reinforcing the objective of ensuring state laws do not perpetuate the harmful legacy of antiquated terminology.

Mariano highlighted the significance of this legislative change in the context of rising social awareness: “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices.”

Future Considerations

The passage of the bill signals an ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. As language continues to evolve, advocates and lawmakers alike acknowledge that this is just a step in the ongoing journey toward equity and respect.

While the legislation now awaits the Governor’s signature, its implications for how Massachusetts recognizes and supports individuals with disabilities are already significant. As discussions surrounding inclusive language continue to develop, the state may find itself at the forefront of a broader movement toward inclusivity across the nation.