Bill also renames the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission as “MassAbility”
BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) and State Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester) hailed the passage of legislation amending state laws by striking offensive and derogatory terminology that has historically been used to stigmatize individuals with disabilities.
Senate Bill 2941, which was enacted by the House and Senate on September 5, also renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission as “MassAbility” to better reflect its ongoing efforts to support people with disabilities and to help them live independently. The bill is a redrafted version of legislation originally filed by Governor Maura Healey on November 2, 2023.
“Individuals should never be defined based on their disability but rather should be recognized for their abilities and all that they can do and accomplish,” said Representative Jones. “This bill removes offensive language from our state laws and acknowledges everyone’s potential to succeed without being pigeonholed into a harmful stereotype. It also recognizes the important work the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission does to empower people with disabilities by changing the Commission’s name to the forward-looking ‘MassAbility’.”
“Word choice matters and renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to ‘MassAbility’ reflects our commitment to using empowering titles, moving away from outdated terminology that no longer reflects our values,” said Representative Haggerty. “This bill reduces stigma and emphasizes our focus on the abilities and potential of every person rather than their limitations. It also aligns with our efforts to create equal access and a more inclusive Commonwealth.”
“By striking archaic language and updating the agency’s name to be more positive, we are indicating that the Commonwealth is an inclusive place where everyone is welcome to live and work,” said Senator Lewis. “MassAbility’s services enable individuals with disabilities to gain employment and live full and independent lives.”
Senate Bill 2941 replaces outdated references to a “mentally retarded person” with the words “person with an intellectual disability.” It also strikes and replaces references to “handicapped persons” with “persons with disabilities”; “handicapped individual” with “person with a disability”; and the terms “the physically handicapped” and “physically handicapped persons” with the words “persons with a physical disability”.
Established in 1956, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission offers vocational rehabilitation, job placement, independent living, and community-based services to people with disabilities. The Commission currently serves approximately 20,000 individuals in Massachusetts.
“This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases, and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve used have not reflected the strengths, resilience, and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible, and inclusive for people with disabilities.”
Senate Bill 2941 is now on Governor Healey’s desk for her review and signature. She has until September 15 to sign the bill into law.
