September 7, 2006

I am here today to speak in favor of changing the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to a name that is more pro active and recognizes the cognitive differences of all people without stigmatizing them with a name that has historically been negative.  It is time the state recognizes that from birth on there are more positive ways of identifying people with mental disabilities. For those who fear a name change will bring about a different mission for this agency, you need to recognize that those changes are already in the wind.
           
As the senate ranking member of the General Administration and Elections Committee, last session, I  heard  compelling testimony from people who feel that a name change would show them that we not only care about them, but that we understand their needs. As a society we need to be more sensitive about the feelings certain labels provoke. They asked us to make the name change, not only for themselves but for the many others who do not have the skills to speak up about something they feel is negative and an injustice. Society is at a place where it is time to treat everyone with dignity and respect. I believe that by changing the name of the agency the state is showing compassion, adaptability and respect for a group of people who have been dubbed for far too long with a very negative label.  Other states have moved forward, and it is time to break down another barrier by removing this negative label.

Senator Judith G. Freedman
26th District