No change in mission

By Shelly Shetley

We wish to clear up some misunderstandings a few citizens have regarding Senate Bill 756 and House Bill 1627/2076.

Both bills would remove the words "mental retardation" from the title of the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the division of the Department of Mental Health that provides services to our fellow citizens with developmental disabilities.

Most of Missouri understands that this is nothing but a name change, although some opponents have gotten some misinformation. And we wish to make the facts public.

One misunderstanding is that mental retardation is distinctly different from a developmental disability. This is not true.

In fact, using the terms "mental retardation" and "developmental disabilities" is redundant. Mental retardation is one of a variety of developmental disabilities.

Others include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and brain injury before age 22, just to name a few.

Another misunderstanding is that this would somehow remove people with that diagnosis from services or eligibility.

In fact, changing the name of the division would not change the mission of the division, of those eligible for services or of those receiving services from the division or contract providers.

The legislation clearly states: "Any alteration of the title of the division established in this subsection shall not be construed to change the criteria by which the division makes eligibility determinations for its programs and services."

Yet another myth is that this is an effort at ultra-political correctness.

In fact, advocates have been working to get this legislation passed for over 10 years.

The words "mental retardation" have come to carry a negative connotation for people with developmental disabilities (including, and especially, those with the medical diagnosis of "MR") in Missouri and across the nation.

Changing language to be more respectful is a nationwide trend in response to the voices of the people. Missouri is one of just a few states that still use those words in its division title.

This is not an attempt to divert attention from a group of people, to divert funds or to alter services for Missourians with disabilities. It is time to implement this change in order to respond to the requests of the people served by the division and their families and supporters.

We should support this name change. It is just that: a name change.

The Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities is a federally funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the governor. We are made up of self-advocates, family members and other supporters. The council's mandate is to plan, advocate for and give advice concerning programs and services for persons with developmental disabilities that will increase their opportunities for independence, productivity and integration into communities.

Shelly Shetley of Kansas City is the chairwoman of the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities.