Delaware lawmakers weigh bill to change terminology associated with disabilities

The Associated Press reports Delaware legislators are weighing a bill that would change the terminology associated with disabilities:

State lawmakers are considering a bill requiring that government officials avoid using certain language when referring to people with disabilities.The bill would require that new and revised laws, rules, regulations, charters and any government publications avoid terms such “mentally ill,” ”retarded,” and “learning disabled.”
The bill also prohibits officials from equating disabled people with their conditions by using such terms as “epileptics” and “quadriplegics.”Examples of the proper respectful language include “persons with disabilities” and “persons with mental illness.”The bill, which was up for discussion in a House committee today, is part of a nationwide “People First Language” movement to promote dignity and inclusion for people with disabilities.