How I Voted: Dignifying Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

Updating State Law to Reflect the Dignity of People with Disabilities

Bill: S.2563, An Act Dignifying Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

Date of Vote: June 4, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

The language used in our laws reflects the values of our Commonwealth. Over time, some terminology used in Massachusetts General Laws to describe people with disabilities became outdated and inconsistent with the respectful, person-centered language used today.

This legislation updates state law to remove offensive and outdated terms and replace them with language that recognizes the dignity, individuality, and full inclusion of people with disabilities.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Removes outdated and offensive terminology from Massachusetts General Laws related to people with disabilities. 

• Replaces outdated terms with current, respectful language such as “person with a disability.” 

• Updates hundreds of sections of state law to ensure consistency with modern standards. 

• Ensures that Massachusetts statutes reflect respect, dignity, and inclusion for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

Words matter. The language we use in our laws sends a message about who we value and how we view our neighbors, friends, and family members.

Throughout my career as an educator and school leader, I have worked with students and families with a wide range of abilities and needs. I have seen the importance of creating environments where every person is treated with respect and recognized for their individual strengths and contributions.

Updating outdated language in our laws does not change programs or services by itself, but it does ensure that the official language of the Commonwealth reflects the dignity and respect every person deserves.

I supported this legislation because our laws should represent our highest values. Ensuring that Massachusetts statutes use respectful and accurate language is a meaningful step toward building a Commonwealth where all residents are recognized as full and valued members of our communities.