New name centers skills and strengths of people with disabilities, removes offensive terminology
(BOSTON—9/5/2024) Today the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to MassAbility, a change that will define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities live independently.
The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.
The legislation also removes offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws referring to people with disabilities in sections of the law that pertain to MassAbility.
“Renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility reflects the important mission of the agency, and more accurately represents the role of government that I work towards for our residents, which is to help people,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This agency works with individuals to provide the tools that make the ability to live an independent life so much easier in Massachusetts, and I am glad to see a name change and archaic language changes that reflect this positive vision for all residents of the Commonwealth.”
Having passed both chambers of the Legislature, the measure will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
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