How I Voted: Modernizing Disability Language

Modernizing Disability Language in Massachusetts Law

Bill: H.4254, An Act Relative to Respectful and Current Disability Terminology in the General Laws

Date of Vote: November 5, 2025

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

Many sections of the Massachusetts General Laws still contained outdated and offensive terminology used to describe individuals with disabilities.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.

Language shapes how people are perceived and treated. Disability advocates, service providers, and policymakers have increasingly emphasized the importance of person-first language that recognizes individuals as people first rather than defining them by a disability.

This legislation updates Massachusetts law to reflect contemporary standards of dignity, respect, and inclusion by removing outdated language and replacing it with terminology that better reflects the Commonwealth’s values.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Removes outdated and offensive terms used throughout the Massachusetts General Laws to describe individuals with disabilities.

• Eliminates variations of terms such as:

  • “Handicapped.”

  • The “r-word.”

  • Other outdated disability-related terminology.

• Replaces outdated language with modern, person-first terminology such as:

  • “Person with a disability.”

  • Other current and respectful disability-related language.

• Aligns state statutes with modern disability advocacy and inclusion practices.

• Continues the Commonwealth’s efforts to modernize disability-related laws and policies.

• Builds upon previous reforms, including the renaming of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility.

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

The words used in our laws matter. Statutes should reflect the dignity, respect, and equal worth of every individual, particularly those who have historically faced discrimination, exclusion, or misunderstanding.

While this legislation does not change substantive disability rights or services, it ensures that the language used in Massachusetts law reflects modern standards and respects the experiences of people with disabilities. Updating outdated terminology is a meaningful step toward fostering a more inclusive Commonwealth and ensuring that our laws align with the values we seek to uphold.

I supported this legislation because it promotes respect, inclusion, and dignity for individuals with disabilities while modernizing the language contained throughout Massachusetts law.