The Illinois House Thursday 03/31/11, took a step forward in wiping offensive terms used referring to people with disabilities out of the state law books.
Rep. Emily McAsey, a Lockport Democrat, said she worked closely with the Arc of Illinois, an advocacy group for people with disabilities, to encourage the state to take the lead on using empowering language and eliminating offensive terms. […]
The measure would change all occurrence of the phrase “mentally retarded” in state statute to “intellectually disabled.”
A similar proposal pending in the Senate also would change “crippled” to “physically disabled” in state laws. That measure is sponsored by Palatine Sen. Matt Murphy, and was inspired by Palatine-based attorney Kerry Lavelle, who has a disabled sister and approached Murphy with the idea.
*thanks to Capital Fax for update*
Rep. Emily McAsey, a Lockport Democrat, said she worked closely with the Arc of Illinois, an advocacy group for people with disabilities, to encourage the state to take the lead on using empowering language and eliminating offensive terms. […]
The measure would change all occurrence of the phrase “mentally retarded” in state statute to “intellectually disabled.”
A similar proposal pending in the Senate also would change “crippled” to “physically disabled” in state laws. That measure is sponsored by Palatine Sen. Matt Murphy, and was inspired by Palatine-based attorney Kerry Lavelle, who has a disabled sister and approached Murphy with the idea.
*thanks to Capital Fax for update*
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