Disability news, Accessibility Issues, Disability Issues, Accessiblity News

Op-ed: ‘Antiquated DMR name long overdue for change’

June 28th, 2008

By Sen. Fred Berry, Sen. Karen Spilka and Leo Sarkissian in the Quincy, Massachusetts, Patriot-Ledger:

… For tens of thousands of people in Massachusetts and their families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the word “retarded” can be the most personal of attacks; yet it remains in the name of the state agency that provides services for them.

This year, the Massachusetts Senate has included language in its budget that would change that. The proposal, which has been met with wide acceptance, would change the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services.

This is an opportunity that should not be squandered if Massachusetts is to truly serve people with disabilities.

Sen. Fred Berry, D-Peabody, is the Senate Majority Leader; Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, is chairman of the Legislative Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; and Leo Sarkissian is executive director of The Arc of Massachusetts.

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More than 50 million people in the United States have disabilities, a number that is growing rapidly as the population ages. Experts say disability will soon affect the lives of most Americans. This blog attempts to explore what we know about disability, and to chronicle the efforts of people who are seeking new ways to address familiar challenges.

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