Politics & Government

"Mental Retardation" to be Removed from County Documents

Outdated terminology to be replaced with the term "intellectual disability"

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously decided to get rid of the term "Mental Retardation" from county documents and materials today.

The Board Matter was introduced by Braddock Supervisor John C. Cook. The terminology will be replaced with the preferred "Intellectual Disability."

“I know this was done at the state level, and it seems like common sense, but I wanted to make sure that it was getting done in the County,” Cook said. The Board Matter requires the terminology to be changed with in a year.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This comes on the heels of the successful 2007 effort by the Arc of Northern Virginia, particularly co-executive director Jill Egle, to get rid of "retardation" and its variations in Virginia state law. Though state legislation can take years to pass, she helped push these changes through in six months. Virginia's example inspired other efforts around the country, culminating in the October 2010 signing of Rosa's Law by President Barack Obama, changing all references in federal statutes from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability." Egle was present at the signing.

The transition in terminology has also been reflected in the change of name of the American Association of Mental Retardation to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Additionally, the Associated Press replaced the term in its stylebook, which is commonly used by journalism organizations nationwide.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is only one part of many efforts Cook has taken on behalf of disabilities issues, including focusing his this year on the topic.

You can read the full text of the Board Matter that was passed today in our PDF.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Greater Alexandria