Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 12, 2024 McGonagle, Mass. House pass bills to remove outdated and offensive terms in state laws and change Mass. Rehabilitation Commission’s name to ‘Massability’ O n April 3, 2024, Rep. Joe McGonagle, along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, passed two bills concerning terminology. One bill updates the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) by removing outof-date and off ensive terms related to persons with disabilities. One bill renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to “MassAbility.” “As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest eff ort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Chairman Livingstone and the entire Joint Committee of Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, as well as Governor Healey and the bill sponsors, for their work on this important legislation.” “In 2024, we as legislators in Massachusetts should absolutely be the ones leading the way in inclusivity and ridding our laws of outdated terms,” said McGonagle. “This bill is a relatively small act that will make a diff erence for so many in the Commonwealth. I’m very proud of my colleagues for choosing to make this bill a priority.” “The name ‘MassAbility’ will help to reduce stigma and better reflect the strengths and capabilities of the people we serve,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to Speaker Mariano and the House for advancing this critical legislation.” An Act relative to individuNeed a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 tic” is replaced with “autism” in reference to Autism Awareness Month. Originally fi led by Governor Healey, the House also passed An Act to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, MassAbility, to refl ect the self-determination and limitless possibilities of people with disabilities (H.4528) and to update the outdated terms included in its enabling statute. On April 4 the Senate reJoe McGonagle State Representative als with intellectual or developmental disabilities (H.4396) removes out-of-date and offensive language from MGL when referencing people with disabilities. The language in the bill removes all variations of outdated terms, such as “handicapped,” “disabled” and “retarded.” The bill replaces these terms with current terminology, such as “person with a disability” and “person with an intellectual disability.” Additionally, the term “autisferred H.4528 to its Committee on Ways and Means and H.4396 to its Committee on Rules. Statements of Support The Arc of Massachusetts: “The Arc of Massachusetts is grateful for the passage of the Archaic Language Bill. This legislation has been a priority to The Arc and we appreciate the eff orts made by the sponsors of the bill and our legislative champions at the MA State House. Thank you to the past and present Chairs and members of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. Special recognition to the self-advocates who led the way and never gave up. Words hold power! The language people use is important and influences thoughts and attitudes about people and their capabilities. The use of inappropriate language in society and in our Massachusetts General Law perpetuates negative stereotypes about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This legislation will not just create legal change but also social change. The Arc strongly supports the passage of this bill as a sign that Massachusetts is listening and will support people with IDD by using thoughtful and positive language in the laws.” Disability Law Center Executive Director Barbara L’Italien: “Removing archaic language in legislation plays an important role in reducing social stigma and ensuring that state agencies and courts view people with disabilities as entitled to full, equal, and integrated lives in the community.” City of Everett to Host Spring Bash Youth Dance youth in grades 4-6 are invited to enjoy an evening of fun, dancing, music and games E VERETT, MA – Mayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce the City of Everett Youth Development and Enrichment Department, in collaboration with the Everett Youth Commission, will host the Spring Bash Youth Dance on Friday, May 10, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Everett Recreation Center (47 Elm Street). Youth in grades four through six from across Everett are welcome to participate in an evening of fun with music, dancing and games. Participants will have the chance to groove to the latest tunes, showcase their dance moves, and mingle with friends and classmates. The DJ will keep the dance fl oor alive with a vibrant mix of music that caters to all tastes and styles. In addition to the dance fl oor excitement, there will be a variety of entertaining activities to enjoy throughout the evening. From photo booths to interactive games, there’s something for everyone at this event. Parents can rest assured knowing that this event is not only a fun time for kids but also contributes to a worthy cause. All proceeds from the event will benefi t Everett Youth Development initiatives. By attending the Spring Bash, families are actively supporting the growth and development of youth programs in Everett and helping ensure that Everett youth have access to valuable resources and opportunities for success. Please register in advance YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS IN SIX LANGUAGES. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE ONLINE BY SCANNING HERE! for this event by visiting cityofeverett.com/events/springbash-2024 and scrolling down to the “Register Now” section. Admission for the event is $5. For more information, please contact Director of Youth Development and Enrichment John Russolillo at John.Russolillo@ci.everett.ma.us or call 617294-0475.
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