3 SEPTEMBER 2009 For More Information: Superintendent Larry Duck, Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities 330-797-2825 On August 17, 2009, the Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities voted unanimously to change its name to the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD). New signage, stationery, bus decals and other identification will be phased in by October 7, according to Superintendent Larry Duck. At the same time, the Board is launching a new Web site and new educational resources for families and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. “Although our name is changing, our mission is not,” Duck noted. “The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities is here to help individuals choose and achieve a life of increasing capability and reach their full potential.” The name change was advocated by individuals with developmental disabilities who were uncomfortable with the term "mental retardation." It follows action by Governor Ted Strickland to drop “Mental Retardation” from the name of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. In July, Governor Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 79, a bill sponsored by Senator Jimmy Stewart, that changes the name of the Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to the Department of Developmental Disabilities, as well as the names of local Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) boards to County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. The bill also removes the term “mental retardation” from the titles of other state and county entities, councils, commissions, and various funds that use the term. Governor Strickland stated, “I applaud the legislature for working quickly to pass this inclusive and respectful legislation,” Strickland said. “This change aligns Ohio with most other states in the way we identify and discuss citizens with developmental disabilities and special needs.” The language of the bill can be found here. ODMRDD Director John Martin, notes, “The passage of this bill is a testament to the many self advocates throughout the state who have spoken out and lead the efforts during the past year to effect this change. I salute their work. We will move forward with the name change process over the next several months, as will our County Board partners in the developmental disabilities community.” Because the name change is effective 90 days after the signing of the bill, (October 7, 2009) both the ODMRDD and the Mahoning County Board of MRDD will begin to phase-in the name change during the course of that time, and will refer to itself as legally named until that time. Clinical use of the term “mental retardation” The terms 'mental retardation' and 'developmental disability' will continue to used as part of current clinically-accepted terminology. Usage of this terminology in MCBDD publications is in no way intended to restrict or label any individuals based on their particular disability. Changes to accepted terminology are influenced by many factors, including research, accepted clinical definitions, and usage/social acceptance. 'Mental retardation' is one of many developmental disabilities, and the usage of the term will be gradually and appropriately be phased out in MCBDD publications, signage, letterhead and other communications wherever feasible. Currently, in the interest of communicating clearly and respectfully, the usage of the term “retardation” may be seen in MCBDD publications, and is never intended as negative slang. |