State Drops “R” Word as OMRDD Becomes OPWDD

The NY Nonprofit Press reported that The NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) has a new name. The agency will now be known as New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Legislation removing the words “Mental Retardation” from the agency’s name – as well as from State statute and regulations, was signed by Governor Paterson on Tuesday and takes effect immediately.

“This name change sends a strong message that New York values the dignity and respect of individuals with developmental disabilities” Governor Paterson said. “For many people with developmental disabilities the words ‘mental retardation’ are hurtful and represent a disrespectful term. The Office For People With Developmental Disabilities is a name that respects their rights as people with developmental disabilities to have an agency name that invokes pride, and not shame.”

“The time has finally come for New York to join the 48 other states that have dropped the ‘R’ word,” said OPWDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter. “I want to assure everyone that our name may be changing, but who we are and what we do stays the same: We have and will always provide top quality supports and services to people and families.”

“The use of the “R” word is hurtful, perpetuates prejudice and discrimination in a time when we seek to create communities of respect and acceptance of all people” said Ann Hardiman, Executive Director of NYSACRA. “The state agency name change is one major milestone to reverse language which is disparaging and harmful and promotes greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion across the State of New York.”

“As the organization that initiated the idea of a separate office for persons with developmental disabilities nearly half a century ago, we applaud the Governor and the Legislature for a successful initiative that keeps with the tradition of dignity and respect that our families and their loved ones have fought to maintain for so many decades,” said Marc Brandt, Executive Director of NYSARC, Inc.

“This was clearly something that people with developmental disabilities wanted,” said Peter Pierri, Executive Director of the InterAgency Council of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IAC). “In recent years, the term had taken on a very negative connotation.” Pierri went on to note that some nonprofit agencies – including his own – would soon be following the State’s lead. “We absolutely have to,” he said, indicating that he expected a name change at IAC this Fall.