BREAKING: The Massachusetts House and Senate have passed The Arc’s long-time priority Archaic Language Bill!
Statement from Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts:
“Finally! The Arc of Massachusetts is grateful to the Legislature for passing the archaic language bill and thereby affirming that harmful words about people with disabilities have no place in our lexicon.
Every individual in our Commonwealth deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and this legislation will help us to achieve this ideal. We are grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker Ronald Mariano, Ways and Means Chairs Michael Rodrigues and Aaron Michlewitz, Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities Chairs Robyn Kennedy and Jay Livingstone, Senator Pat Jehlen, Representative Michael Finn, and Representative Sean Garballey for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the individuals and families served and supported by The Arc of Massachusetts and our chapters.
After a decade of hard work, we very much look forward to watching Governor Maura Healey sign this bill into law, and in so doing, witnessing our Commonwealth take a giant step forward for civil liberties.
As one of our self-advocates Daniel said, ‘This bill is also important because it shows how kindness and inclusion matter more than anything. It shows people across America that those words are hurtful, so that people with intellectual disabilities can be respected and loved.'”
