Fw: Arc Action Alert on s Law HB 2976

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FYI

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Arc Action Alert on s Law HB 2976

The Arc of Illinois

March 7, 2011

Leaders in The Arc:

The Arc is working with the Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance (The Alliance) to

replace the R word with intellectual disabilities.

We have introduced House Bill 2976 and ask you to ask your Representatives to

become a Co-Sponsor of House Bill 2976.

House Bill 2976, s Law, will be heard in the House Human Services Committee,

Wednesday, March 9th, 8:00 a.m., Room D-1, Stratton Building, Springfield, IL.

The Fact Sheet on HB 2976 is below and attached.

Tony auski

The Arc of Illinois

815-464-1832

The Arc of Illinois

ROSAS LAW

SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 2976

The Arc of Illinois and Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance (The Alliance) are

mobilizing support for an Illinois s Law. s Law was signed into federal

law by President Obama in 2010.

Representative McAsey is the Chief Sponsor of HB 2976. This bill was

introduced to eliminate the term mental retardation from Illinois public

statutes and replace that term with intellectual disability.

Rational:

1.. Many self-advocates and family members find the R word to be offensive.

2.. The law will not affect in any way the eligibility and/or services and

supports available through state laws that would be altered by this change in

terminology.

3.. The bill is very important for people with intellectual disabilities; we

understand that language plays a crucial role in how they are viewed and treated

in society.

4.. This bill is a necessary step to help stop the use of hurtful terminology.

By introducing the word disability into state statutes, we move closer to full

inclusion and respect for people with intellectual disabilities.

5.. There are over 220,000 infants, children and adults with intellectual and

other developmental disabilities in Illinois.

BECOME A CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2976

For further information contact:

Tony auski

The Arc of Illinois

708/828-0188 (cell)

Tony@...

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