The term “mental retardation” is becoming a thing of the past. It’s being removed from more than 400 Florida statutes.
37-year-old Derrick Sneed testified before Florida lawmakers last spring for a bill that removes all references to “mental retardation” in state law.
“The Florida Legislature’s done a wonderful job, passed the bill, to get rid of this R word – from retarded to respect someone”, Sneed said.
The term “intellectual disability” is now being used instead.
Sneed works for the Arc of Florida - a nonprofit that strives to improve the quality of life for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization changed its name several years ago from the Association of Retarded Citizens. Executive director Deborah Linton says what used to be a medical term had become as insult.
“You know, kids on playgrounds – what’s the first thing they call each other? And that’s why it’s so important to us to change that term - and it is changed in the diagnostic manuals now - and it’s really a show of respect for the people who had that diagnosis”, said Linton.
The bill also provides additional funding to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. $36 million will help pare down a waiting list of more than 20,000 people who need services like temporary care and job training.