WASHINGTON – Disabilities advocates are applauding Congress for passing legislation that eliminates the term "mental retardation" from federal laws.
The measure, passed by the House by voice vote Wednesday night, changes the phrase "mentally retarded" to "an individual with an intellectual disability" in existing health, education and labor law.
Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, sponsor of the bill with Republican Sen Mike Enzi, of Wyoming, said it would make language in federal law consistent with that used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health arm of the United Nations and the White House.
"Rosa's Law," named after a Maryland girl with Down Syndrome, passed the Senate last month and now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
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3 comments:
I can't believe Mikulski has nothing better to do with unemployment at 10%, our rising dept, and horrible Maryland school system to worry about what we call her supporters.
They have a new name for Democrats how nice.
All kidding aside,it means alot to those who have loved ones with Down Syndrome and similar disabilities.I cringe when I hear someone say "retard" or "retarded".Its as bad as "coloreds"
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