THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 20, 2024 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 ly. They said the legislation also removes outdated and offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws like changing “handicap” to “barrier;” “handicapped” to “person with a disability;” and “retarded,” to “person with an intellectual disability.” Supporters said the name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes toward a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living. “Words matter,” said Gov. Healey. “This legislation ensures that the names and terms we use accurately reflect the strength and capabilities of the disability community, supports our goal of helping the people we serve achieve autonomy and independence and breaks down stigma.” “The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world.” “This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve used have not reflected the strengths, resilience and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.” “The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world.” ADD 225 LIQUOR LICENSES (H 5039) – Gov. Healey signed into law a bill adding 225 new alcohol licenses for the City of Boston over the next three years. Supporters said the licenses would be distributed across 13 Boston zip codes, expanding equity for restaurant owners in historically underrepresented parts of the city and boosting economic opportunity in communities of color that have been systemically excluded for decades. They noted that sit-down restaurants in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, East Boston, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain and the South End now stand to benefit from the restricted licenses. They said that the high price tag of up to BEACON | SEE PAGE 18
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