Log In


Reset Password

State changes terms for people with intellectual disability

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will no longer use terms such as "mental retardation" in official documents to refer to people with an intellectual disability.

State officials say such terms in 24 chapters of licensing regulations have been changed to "remove words that are outdated and offensive to people with disabilities." Another change will replace a word like "normalization" with "integration."The licensing regulations govern intellectual disability and mental health programs and county programs. They also cover regulations for adult training centers, vocational facilities, state operated facilities, personal care homes, assisted living residences, and child residential facilities.Human Services secretary Ted Dallas said in a statement that use of what he called "correct, modern terms" reflects "people's strengths and abilities" and "expresses dignity and regard for people."