Tuesday, September 28, 2010

House Approves Bill Removing ‘Mental Retardation’ From Law

House Approves Bill Removing ‘Mental Retardation’ From Law
By Michelle Diament

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/author/michelle-diament/

September 23, 2010

The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill Wednesday evening paving the way for the term “mental retardation” to be replaced with “intellectual disability” in many areas of federal law.

The legislation known as Rosa’s Law now goes to President Barack Obama who White House officials say intends to sign the measure.

Under the bill, the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” would be stripped from federal health, education and labor policy. “Intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” would be inserted in their place.

The changes would occur as laws and documents come up for revision over the next several years. Since the alterations would be implemented gradually, the legislation is not expected to incur any cost.

“For far too long we have used hurtful words like ‘mental retardation’ or ‘MR’ in our federal statutes to refer to those living with intellectual disabilities,” said the bill’s sponsor Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., in a statement Wednesday. “Rosa’s Law will make a greatly-needed change that should have been made well before today — and it will encourage us to treat people the way they would like to be treated.”

The language swap would not alter the rights that individuals with disabilities have, but would merely bring the federal government more in line with a trend toward using the term “intellectual disability.” Already the term is used by most states and some federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rosa’s Law is named for Rosa Marcellino, a Maryland girl with Down syndrome.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Gov. Gregoire responds to budget ideas posted on website

Gov. Gregoire responds to budget ideas posted on website
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2010

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today began posting video responses to the most popular budget suggestions offered recently on her budget ideas web site.

“As I said when we unveiled this web site, I want staff at the Office of Financial Management as well as members of the executive budget panel to review each and every idea,” Gregoire said. “I’ve been taking a look at them as well, and want those who have participated to know that we’re taking those ideas seriously.”

Visitors of the website submitted nearly 2,000 ideas, posted nearly 5,600 comments and cast 137,000 votes to weigh in on the suggestions.

Gregoire’s responses can be found on the state’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/washingtongovernment, as well as on the governor’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/govgregoire. Responses will be posted periodically, with the first response posted this morning.

OFM will also begin providing written comments to many of the suggestions receiving the most votes. The feedback will be shared on the governor’s budget webpage at http://governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp.

Facing a $3 billion deficit for the 2011-2013 biennium, Gregoire has initiated a process to transform Washington’s budget – which included soliciting ideas from Washingtonians. Along with the interactive website, more than 1,200 citizens attended a series of public hearings around the state to learn more about the budget process and share input and individual strategies.

Although the interactive website is now closed, the public can still share their ideas for transforming the budget through the governor’s website at http://governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp.

County seeks advocates to protect vulnerable adults

There is a critical need for volunteer ombudsmen throughout Snohomish County to assist the elderly living in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

As a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, individuals can make a difference by being an advocate, educator, investigator and problem solver. Volunteer ombudsmen come from all walks of life, various age groups and educational levels. The common thread is an interest in serving older adults and persons with disabilities.

Volunteers receive four days of free training to become certified ombudsmen. They are asked to volunteer four hours a week, attend monthly meetings and submit a monthly activity report. Expenses such as mileage are reimbursable.

The next four-day volunteer training will be held Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29.

The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the interests, well-being and rights of vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities. It is part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act.

For more information and an application packet, contact Michal Glauner at 425-388-7393 or michal.glauner@snoco.org