Costello Announces Name Change Legislation

BOSTON – Representative Michael A. Costello announced new legislation today that would change the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services.

Using a unique approach for the announcement, Costello directed fellow legislators and staff members to a video about the bill on his website, http://www.mikecostello.org. The video, “Labels are for Jars Only” features self-advocates talking about why the legislation is important to them.

“This legislation would remove an outdated stigma and change the name to something more respectful,” said Rep. Costello. “I think the voices in the video are compelling. They do not like being labeled and speak eloquently and persuasively about changing the name.”

The name change bill will be filed next week for the upcoming legislative session. Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS), an organization of people with cognitive and developmental disabilities who advocate for issues in their community, is one of the bill’s sponsors.

Costello is currently seeking legislative co-sponsors for the bill.