‘R’ Word Sensitivity Language Signed Into Law

A new law sponsored by State Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) will eliminate outdated and degrading terminology used to refer to people with mental disabilities from legal books in the state of Illinois.

Signed into law on July 28, Senate Bill 1833/Public Act 97-0227 will ensure offensive and degrading terms for people with mental disabilities will no longer be used in the compiled statutes in an attempt to increase the sensitivity of the legal system toward people afflicted with disabilities. Old terms such as “retarded” and “crippled” will be replaced with widely-accepted terms such as “intellectually disabled” and “physically disabled.”

The substitution of the words will in no way diminish any rights, substantive rights, responsibilities, coverage, eligibility or definitions in any way.

— Submitted by the office of State Sen. Matt Murphy