Susan Ackerman is lobbying for change in Virginia

From the [Newport News, VA] Daily Press

Erin Thompson and Susan Ackerman, who have Down syndrome, are among a broad coalition lobbying for a change in the way Virginia law refers to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The bill, which would eliminate the use of the term “mentally retarded” from the state code, has passed committees in both the House and the Senate but still faces hurdles because of its $75,000 pricetag and potential impact on the criminal justice system.

Advocates say Virginia is one of only seven states that still use the phrase. They say it can be hurtful not only to people with disabilities but also their families.

Ackerman said she sees herself as so much more than a word.

“I don’t let it get me down, because I’m a strong person,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you have. You can’t help it. It’s just the way you are.”

See earlier post here.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am and is filed under criminal justice, Down syndrome, intellectual/developmental disabilities, law, NOT2BEMISSED, politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.