The ‘R word’ is on its way out

by Christina Wilkie - 05/26/10 11:24 PM ET

After years of advocacy by people like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the “R word” appears to be on its way out. At least in official documents.

The Senate Health panel on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill that would eliminate the use of the words “retarded” and “retardation” in federal health, education and labor law. Rosa’s Law, introduced by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), had strong bipartisan support.

{mosads}It would replace the terms “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” and “mentally retarded individual” to “individual with an intellectual disability.”

Tags Barbara Mikulski