All Updates

This legislation updates state law to remove offensive and outdated terms and replace them with language that recognizes the dignity, individuality, and full inclusion of people with disabilities.

Many sections of the Massachusetts General Laws still contained outdated and offensive terminology used to describe individuals with disabilities. Terms such as “handicapped” and “disabled,” when used as labels rather than person-first descriptions, and other derogatory language no longer reflect modern understanding, respect, or best practices in disability advocacy.