Senator Patricia Jehlen joined advocates for Governor Maura Healey’s signing of a bill that the Massachusetts legislature passed earlier this year to bring Massachusetts laws into the 21st century by removing offensive language from state statute.

An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities, strikes the ‘r-word,’ a derogatory slur for people with mental disabilities, out of state law.

The bill uses terminology like ‘person with a disability’ that places the individual first. Other outdated references such as ‘handicap’ are also erased from the law.

“Words are important. Language changes. We should use language that respects the people it refers to, and listen to them,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville). “I am so glad to see this bill passed and signed by the Governor. 22 years ago, I filed a bill to remove ten sections of the general laws that used the “r word.” Over the years, we have found nearly 400 sections with offensive words. We changed the names of three offices because the people they serve asked for more respectful names: the Department of Mental Retardation is now the Department of Disability Services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission is now MassAbility and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs is now the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, or AGE. But there are over 350 sections of the general laws that still use offensive words. Today at last we replace them with language that is preferred by those it refers to.”

The Senate added a section inserting the term “deaf or hard of hearing” in several sections of state law, replacing the outdated term “hearing-impaired.”  This further ensures that language in state law reflects the terminology that community members prefer.

Melissa Reilly, advocate for people with disabilities and former policy advisor to Senator James B. Eldridge:
“The Archaic Language Bill is really important because all people with disabilities should be treated and respected by others and not mocked or judged or bullied by others for their disabilities. We are all unique and deserve respect, we do not want to be known as the ‘r-word.’ We all are unique and different. People with disabilities deserve respect. We are able and capable and not disabled. We are hardworking people and we need to be respected and dedicated and have dignity. Please help us to make a difference and support this bill.”

Maura Sullivan, chief executive officer of The Arc of Massachusetts:
“At this moment when disability rights are being threatened, we must show up every day to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting and valuing this community. This bill does just that.”

–Office of Senator Patricia D. Jehlen