President Obama signs Rosa's Law to take the R-word out of federal language

From the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

On October 5, 2010, President Obama signed Rosa’s Law (S. 2781), effectively replacing the term ‘mental retardation’ in Federal law with ‘intellectual disability’.

CEC is pleased that Congress and the President have come together to enact “a law which will create a significant and needed change for individuals with disabilities, cultivate a healthy atmosphere for learning in our nation’s schools, and provide the dignity and respect all people deserve,” said CEC Executive Director, Bruce Ramirez.

CEC has worked closely over the past year with Congress and the Administration to enact this law. The term ‘mental retardation’ did not accurately describe those with cognitive impairments, was no longer being used by the field, and had taken on a negative social association.

Although it’s seemingly a small change, given these factors, CEC determined it was needed and supported the law. CEC looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure it is implemented appropriately across the nation.