in_the_media

WHYY-FM - August 18-19, 2010

Media Outlet: 

WHYY-FM



Many families and advocates despise it, and call it "The R-Word." Still, the term "mentally retarded" is often attached to diagnosis, services, and legislation regarding people with cognitive impairments. The state of New Jersey just passed legislation to replace the controversial term with "intellectual or developmental disabilities," and a national movement is underway. "The term mental retardation is a term that people with that disability find offensive," said Celia Feinstein of Temple's Institute on Disabilities. "It's become a word that you hear in playgrounds, it's become a word that is hurtful."