Governor Healey Signs Legislation Renaming Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission to ‘MassAbility’
New name reflects a more expansive effort to break down
stigma and increase equity and access for people with disabilities
BOSTON –Today, Governor Maura Healey signed
legislation that renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to
MassAbility. Governor Healey filed this bill last year to reflect the administration’s
goal of expanding the
agency’s reach and ushering in a new, more
inclusive model for disability career services and independent living. The
legislation also removes outdated terms from the general laws like “handicap,” “handicapped,” and “retarded,”
replacing them with “barrier,” “person with a disability,” and
person with an “intellectual disability.”
“Words matter. This legislation ensures that the names and
terms we use accurately reflect the strength and capabilities of the disability
community, supports our goal of helping the people we serve achieve autonomy
and independence, and breaks down stigma,” said Governor Maura Healey.
“I’m grateful to our partners in the Legislature for advancing this
legislation, and to the members of the disability community and our team at
MassAbility and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services who advocated
to make this a reality in Massachusetts”
“MassAbility exemplifies a sense of community and
belonging,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By updating these
laws, we are putting outdated terms aside while honoring the disability
community’s tenacity. MassAbility today provides services that break down
barriers, cultivate diversity and empower people to thrive in their workplaces
and their communities.”
The new name directly resulted from feedback from the
disability community and was selected following significant research, focus
groups, surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers,
and advocacy organizations.
“The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both
the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words
matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh.
“MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and
equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted
in the world.”
The name directly resulted from feedback from the disability
community and was selected following significant research, focus groups,
surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and
advocacy organizations.
“This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment
to propelling the disability movement forward,” said MassAbility
Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and
culture, tackle stigmas, biases, and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve
used have not reflected the strengths, resilience, and determination of the
disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in
Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible, and
inclusive for people with disabilities.”
“MassAbility signals the intentionality of the
Healey-Driscoll Administration for driving a more inclusive workforce,
workplace, and work opportunities for individuals with all capabilities,” said Labor and Workforce
Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “Massachusetts is dedicated to
fostering an equitable workforce system, and the Executive Office of Labor and
Workforce Development looks forward to building on shared strategies to achieve
this in collaboration with MassAbility.”
“Every person has the right to live an independent and
meaningful life regardless of ability, with the same access to work, housing,
and services that every resident deserves,” said Senate President Karen E.
Spilka (D-Ashland). “With the Governor’s signature, we change this name to
one which reflects the strong work of MassAbility to deliver that access to
every individual who works with them, and we remove archaic laws — an important
step towards becoming a more equitable Commonwealth. I am deeply grateful to
the Governor for her signature, my colleagues for their support, Speaker
Mariano, and our partners in the House.”
“This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our
state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words
that also serve as a reminder of past injustices,” said Speaker of the House
Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I would like to thank Governor Healey for
filing the bill originally, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our
partners in the Senate for working to pass this important legislation.”
Working alongside the disability community, MassAbility provides services that break down barriers,
cultivate diversity, and empower people to thrive in their workplaces and their
communities.
To learn more, visit mass.gov/MassAbility.
