NY officially drops R-word from agency name

From The Associated Press:

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The state agency that oversees services to developmentally disabled people has removed "mental retardation" from its name.

The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities is now known as the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

Governor Paterson signed legislation changing the name on July 13. He said the change was made because many people with developmental disabilities feel 'mental retardation' is a disrespectful term.

At a recent stakeholder meeting with parents, advocates, providers and individuals with developmental disabilities, Paterson said there was overwhelming agreement that the time had come to remove the "R" word.

Paterson said implementation of the name change will be gradual to avoid new costs.