Rosa's Law Anniversary

The anniversary of Rosa's Law, signed in 2010, which replaced the term 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual disability' in federal health, education, and labor policy. The law recognized that language shapes dignity and treatment.

History

Rosa's Law was named after Rosa Marcellino, a young girl with Down syndrome whose family advocated for the language change. President Barack Obama signed the law on October 5, 2010. Rosa's family argued that dehumanizing language in law perpetuated stigma and discrimination.

How to Participate

• →Reflect on the power of language in shaping how we see and treat people with disabilities
• →Audit the language used in your organization's policies and communications
• →Learn about the broader disability justice movement's approach to language
• →Support advocacy efforts to update outdated and harmful language in remaining laws and institutions

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