It’s official: Ohio drops the term ‘mental retardation’
July 9th, 2009From the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed legislation this week to drop the term “mental retardation” from the names of the state and county boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The change eliminates a term that has come to be viewed as derogatory.
“It’s hard for someone who hasn’t been there,” added Diana Mairose, 31, of Oakley, who also is a member of the Advocacy Leadership Network. Mairose was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome, which has been associated with heart and learning problems. “When people say that word it tears up my inside,” she said. “Words do hurt.”
Forty-four other states have already changed the names of their agencies.
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July 10th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I just moved to NY and was surprised that they have not yet removed MR from their agencies and departments. I’m glad Ohio has joined the ranks of 44 other states and hope NY will join soon.