New York will finally update the name of the state office charged with ensuring fair treatment and quality-of-life to people with various developmental disabilities, not just by taking the "r" word out of the title, but by adding "people" to it.
The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will now become the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, after votes taken last week in the state Assembly and Senate. The name change was originally introduced last year by Gov. David Paterson. Rhode Island remains the only state to have "retardation" in an agency title.
In deficit-ridden, budget-lacking New York, important concerns have been raised about costs, staffing and oversight at the state office. Paramount should be its responsibility to ensure quality and efficiency in serving those with disabilities. The name change, though, remains an important step in signifying respect and quality care for the people the office serves.
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