Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Every Month, Show Respect to all Michigan Citizens
By Mike Vizena
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to
increase public awareness of both the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental
disabilities. This month, we can reflect on the progress that has been made in the nearly 30 years since
that declaration, and on future opportunities for progress.
In March of 2014, Michigan legislators set an example when they passed legislation to remove the
phrase “mentally retarded” from Michigan law. The effort aimed to further remove the word from
everyday use.
Almost a year after removing the “R-word” from state law, a new package of Senate bills have been
introduced to remove the terms “crippled children” or “crippled child” when describing children with
special needs. The legislation represents a welcome opportunity to remove offensive language from
Michigan law.
The new Senate bills are modeled after the legislation that fully removed the “R-word” from law and
replaced it with references to developmental or intellectual disabilities. The newly introduced legislation
is another step in combatting the stigma that exists in our state. The bills would change the language the
state uses by referring to children with special needs as just that, not as “crippled or afflicted children.”
This legislation is perfectly timed to highlight how far we have come in making positive progress in the
realm of mental health. In addition to removing language that is offensive, the legislation utilizes
language that puts the person first, not the disability. It is important that all people be recognized as
individuals, not by their disability. Disabilities do not define a person.
Combatting stigma is an important part of advocating for the mental health community in our state.
Unfortunately, language that can be offensive and hurtful to those with developmental disabilities has
long been a part of the American vernacular. The first step in moving away from the use of offensive
language is to think about those affected by the use and misuse of certain words.
Use of offensive terminology only serves to perpetuate negative perceptions and stereotypes, and
reflects a lack of understanding. This legislation will help to remove the stigma surrounding those with
special needs. The Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards applauds legislators in
Michigan for continuing to fight for the respect that every citizen of our state deserves.
Mike Vizena is executive director of the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards.
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