Councilman David G. Greenfield introduced legislation at today’s Stated City Council meeting that would end the use of the outdated and offensive terms “mentally retarded” and “mental retardation” and replace them with “developmentally disabled” and “developmental disability” in all official New York City publications and documents. This move would eliminate what has commonly become a derogatory taunt and schoolyard insult and replace it with a more acceptable term to help foster tolerance and sensitivity for all citizens.

As a result of this legislation, all references of “mentally retarded” would be eliminated from New York City’s Charter and Administrative Code. Currently, agencies and departments including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities use the term “mentally retarded” in documents or on their website, which would all be updated if Councilman Greenfield’s legislation becomes law. This would bring New York City in line with state and federal government, which both took steps in recent years to discontinue use of the term “mentally retarded.”

“The time to remove this inaccurate and offensive term ‘mentally retarded’ from New York City government’s vocabulary is long overdue. It is unfair to stigmatize individuals with developmental disabilities with this derogatory label, which is why I am calling on New York City to follow the example of state and federal government and immediately end the use of this pejorative phrase. I will continue to fight alongside parents and advocates until this legislation becomes law,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Prior to introducing the legislation at today’s Stated Council meeting, Councilman Greenfield was joined on the steps of City Hall by Council Members Vincent Gentile, Andy King and Lew Fidler and by mental health and special education advocacy groups in support of his proposed bill and to highlight the need for greater sensitivity towards developmentally disabled individuals. The attendees included National Down Syndrome Society Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke, who is best known for his role as Corky Thacher on the ABC show “Life Goes On.” Other groups in attendance included Otsar, Quality Services for the Autism Community, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council, OHEL, Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York and AHRC New York City.

In addition to introducing today’s legislation, Councilman Greenfield was the lead-co sponsor of Speaker Christine Quinn’s resolution to change the name of the City Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services to the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services. This resolution, combined with Councilman Greenfield’s legislation, will help end the use of this offensive term in New York City.

“We pride ourselves in New York City for our tolerance and sensitivity to all individuals, regardless of their background or the challenges they face in life. I am hopeful that my legislation will serve as an important step towards respecting every resident of this city. My thanks to all of the groups that stood with me today in support of this goal,” added Councilman Greenfield.

“It is shocking that in this day and age we are still using this term. Developmentally disabled does not mean mentally retarded, which is why we need to change this, and we need to change it now. My thanks to Councilman Greenfield for introducing this legislation today,” said Councilman Gentile.

“Individuals with developmental disabilities are part of society, and this is an unfair label to place on them. I am proud to be part of the effort to make this legislation a reality,” said Councilman King.

“People with disabilities should not face this phrase. It is not about our disabilities, but it is our abilities that count. This is a very positive change that is very important because it is a very hurtful term,” said Chris Burke.

“This will be very beneficial to those of us in the disabled community. Positive words help change attitudes towards people with disabilities who are productive members of society. Now, as a result of this action, they will be seen in a different light,” said Monica Bartley of the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York.

“Words have great power. They define us, and they create perceptions about what individuals with developmental disabilities can do and what they can’t do. This is good legislation because it removes those words that are so hurtful. This is a very positive step, so I thank Councilman Greenfield for his efforts,” said Paul Cassone of Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council.

“The National Down Syndrome Society is pleased to support this legislation, which represents a positive change that will bring New York City in line with the federal government. We believe this is an important step, so on behalf of individuals with disabilities, we thank you,” said Venessa Quick of the National Down Syndrome Society.

“The time has come to end the use of this name. As the parent of a developmentally disabled child, I congratulate Councilman Greenfield for his great work and I look forward to the passing of this bill,” said Isaac Schnitzler of Hamaspik, which helped spearhead this initiative.

Councilman Greenfield’s proposed bill eliminating the use of “mentally retarded” and “mental retardation” has been referred to the Council Committee on Governmental Operations.

(YWN Desk – NYC)