New name centers skills and strengths of people with disabilities, removes offensive terminology
(BOSTON—9/5/2024) Today the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to MassAbility, a change that will define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities live independently.
The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.
The legislation also removes offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws referring to people with disabilities in sections of the law that pertain to MassAbility.
“Every person has the right to live an independent and meaningful life regardless of ability, with the same access to work, housing, and services that every resident deserves,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This name change reflects the strong work of MassAbility to deliver that access to every individual who works with them. In removing archaic laws, we are taking an important step towards making our laws reflective of the equitable Commonwealth we continue to strive for. I’m deeply grateful to the Governor for filing the legislation, my colleagues for their support, Speaker Mariano, and our partners in the House.”
“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Governor Healey for filing the bill originally, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for voting to send this legislation to the Governor’s desk for her signature.”
“With the Governor’s signature, Massachusetts will join the growing list of states that utilize empowering titles to replace archaic terminology no longer appropriate in today’s world,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to MassAbility reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment towards helping individuals with disabilities gain greater autonomy
and independence. This new terminology is so important in that it signifies a nationwide focus on removing barriers for people with disabilities, and recognizing and advancing a person’s strengths and skill sets as they seek better vocational opportunities and independent community living.”
“By renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility it will signal a more open and dedicated environment that empowers titles and moves away from archaic terminology,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank all my colleagues in the House and Senate for their commitment to getting this legislation over the finish line.”
“This legislation is not just a name change but a mission enhancement,” said Senator Nick Collins, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight. “By defining the Commonwealth’s response now with emphasis on the abilities of our citizens, we are taking the MassAbility Commission in a new proactive, positive direction to better serve the community’s needs.”
“The language we use is important. Changing the agency’s name to MassAbility represents a shift in the perception on disability, focusing instead on the strengths, skills, and capabilities of every individual, said Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “This new name of the agency reduces stigma and emphasizes equal access, self-determination, and inclusion. I believe, as MassAbility, the agency will project the abilities rather than the barriers for jobseekers.”
“This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said 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.”
Having passed both chambers of the Legislature, the measure will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
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