Massachusetts General Assembly Passes Bill to Update Language for Disabilities
The Massachusetts General Assembly has approved a new bill aimed at eliminating “obsolete and offensive language” regarding individuals with disabilities in state law.
This legislation proposes to replace terms like “disabled person,” “person with a disability,” and the “r-word,” opting instead for phrases such as “individual with a disability” and “intellectually or developmentally disabled person.” It now advances to the desk of Democratic Governor Maura Healey.
Spanning 61 pages, the bill seeks to amend Section 346 of Massachusetts law.
“Language is always changing, and it is evolving because of the advocacy of those who have historically been overlooked,” stated Democratic Senator Pat Geren, the bill’s primary sponsor. “When individuals expressed their hurt over outdated terms, we took steps to revise legal language. The process was lengthy, encountering numerous examples of hurtful language. This update is, I believe, a significant move towards respect.”
Among the language changes proposed, “disabled” would be removed and replaced with more respectful alternatives. Terms like “deformed” and “retarded” would be replaced by “individual with an intellectual or developmental disability,” reflecting a shift towards more inclusive communication.
The bill adjusts phrases such as changing “deaf person” to “individual who is deaf or hard of hearing.” Additionally, it revises the definition of “caretaker” to align with more contemporary understanding, removing references to disability in favor of a neutral stance.
Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka remarked, “Persisting with outdated language in our laws poses real risks to our community. Thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates, we are finally aligning our laws with the values of the 21st century.”
This legislative update follows a 2024 decision to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change state officials claim emphasizes modernized disability services. It’s all part of a wider initiative to phase out language deemed offensive or antiquated.
Democratic House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano added, “As lawmakers, we understand the impact of our words. This bill is another step toward ensuring our state laws are free from outdated language that evokes negative histories.”
The bill achieved significant bipartisan backing, with unanimous support recorded in both legislative chambers.
