The Senate is expected to consider a measure this week to replace the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in some areas of federal government.
The bill known as “Rosa’s Law” is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee on Wednesday.
Under the proposed law, there would be no change to the rights of individuals with disabilities, but the terminology used in federal health, education and labor policy would be altered.
Several states have already passed similar laws and some federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already use the term intellectual disability, according to Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who introduced the bill last fall. What’s more, recommendations for the upcoming fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders released earlier this year also call for the term “mental retardation” to be done away with in the medical field.
Earlier this year, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel inadvertently called attention to use of the word “mental retardation” when he was quoted using a variant of the term in a newspaper article, angering many in the disability community. As a result, Emanuel signed onto a pledge sponsored by Special Olympics, committing himself to helping end use of the term. Advocates also asked for Emanuel’s help in securing passage of Rosa’s Law.
If passed by the committee, Rosa’s Law would need approval from the full Congress and the president before becoming law.
Correction: This article has been corrected to reflect that the proposed bill would alter the terminology used in some, but not all areas of federal government.
Who is going to present on the Senate this change of measure to replace the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability”? What is the importance to change the terminology used in federal health, education and labor policy?
Labeling someone as “retarded” is a slur–outdated and offensive. It should not be used in law or medical books. This change is long overdue.
Years ago, terms such as “moron, idiot and imbecile” were used clinically. The usage became slang over
time (how many times a day do you hear the word ‘idiot??) so the terms lost favor and medical terms have changed. I still cringe when I hear people use the word retarded as a mainstream word with humor. Many agencies working with the special needs community used the terms “challenged, disabled, handicapped, retarded, handi-capable, clients, students and patients. They now use the term “consumers” to refer to their consituents. Some say they’re just words, but I disagree. Saying “intellectually disabled” is extremely broad and will no doubt become a joke over time as well. (Think politics here). It’s a sign of the PC times.. and I think the goal is a noble but futile one at best.
It’s about time! I had read an article on another site a couple years ago stating that Congress was going to consider this change, and I am irritated that it has taken this long to get Rosa’s Law to the Senate. It is such a basic change, and it shouldn’t take much discussion before coming to a vote. Hopefully, they will pass it quickly so that the wretched word ‘retard’ can be removed as a proper term used by our government.
Thanks for the knowledge sharanny….I have to admit it never occurred to me about the word ‘retarded’ being a real term used for people with such a disability. I myself am now trying to get the word out of my and my family daily usage of the word. It is offensive and insulting. Kind of like when people say ‘Are you mental?’ Its just awful that such medical terms have become slang.