NJ Laws Put People Before Disability

[NEPACIL]

As we push for recognition as People with Disabilities and get away
from the h-word (handicap), it seems like a never-ending battle. New
Jersey is taking the steps to change the wording of laws to reflect
the correct terms.

Sponsored By State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, whose daughter is
learning-disabled, Governor Christie signed the law to change existing
laws/regulations.

Removed are "offensive references to /people with disabilities/ from
state statutes and regulations. The bill eliminates outdated terms
such as mentally retarded and feebleminded.

Preferred terms are intellectual disability and developmental
disability.

The new law also promotes so-called "person-first" language. For
example, it's preferred to say a person with a disability rather than
a disabled person."

Will any elected official do the same for Pennsylvania? How about
nationally? Someday we won't have to correct someone when they say
"handicap parking" "handicap bathrooms" "handicap ____."

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20100817_N_J__updates_terms_for_people_with_disabilities.html#ixzz0wxOw1UhV