By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would modernize and remove archaic language in state laws to reflect the evolution of terminology relating to persons with disabilities.

Changes include replacing “handicapped persons” with “persons with disabilities;” replacing “the mentally retarded” with “persons with an intellectual disability;” replacing “retarded children” with “children with an intellectual disability;” and replacing “disabled American veterans” with “American veterans with disabilities.”

“Our laws should reflect the dignity and worth of every person,” said Gov. Healey. “It is so important that we remove outdated and offensive language in our laws because government is about serving everyone – and we need to make sure that all of our residents feel valued and respected.”

“Words are important,” said Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), the sponsor of the legislation. “Language is constantly changing. When people tell us they feel insulted by the use of outdated words, we should listen to them and use language that respects them. Language and activism will continue to evolve, and there is always more work to do, but this is a gigantic step forward in respect.”