Dinniman Announces His "Words do Matter" Bill
Senate Bill 1443 Changes Name of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2010

CONTACT: MARTIN INDARS      
PHONE: 610-692-2112     
mindars@pasenate.com 

State Senator Andy Dinniman recently introduced his “Words Do Matter” bill, which would strike the phrase “mental retardation” from state statutes and state use.

Dinniman announced the introduction of his legislation at a press conference at his West Chester District office that included members and supporters of the local intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities’ communities.

“Words do matter. They carry power. It is time to move past using this archaic term - a term that has a derisive and hurtful connotation to our family members, friends and neighbors with intellectual disabilities,” Dinniman said.

Dinniman’s bill, Senate Bill 1443, specifically seeks to amend the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966 to rename it the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966.

Dinniman is choosing to amend this act because it controls what term the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare formally uses for those with intellectual disabilities.

Dinniman said he was spurred to introduce this bill and address this issue on a statewide level after he attended a May 14 event in which he and other participants pledged to no longer use the phrase “mental retardation.” He said county agencies including Chester County’s have already updated their department titles with more appropriate terms.

For more details, contact Martin Indars in Senator Dinniman’s office at 1-610-692-2112 or at mindars@pasenate.com.

-30-

» Read the Daily Local News Story