Mayor Nutter Changes Hurtful Words in The Philadelphia Code as SPIN Self Advocates Look On

2014-02-20T00:00:00

February 19, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by Councilman Dennis O’Brien and Dr. Arthur Evans, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, signed a Bill, introduced by City Councilman Dennis O’Brien, which officially amended the language in The Philadelphia Code by replacing the outdated and negative term “mental retardation” with the term “intellectual disability.”

Noting the power of words to hurt or to heal, Mayor Nutter told the crowd of city officials, advocates, self advocates and professionals in the field of Intellectual Disability, “By using the term intellectual disability, we are focusing on opportunities and possibilities for people.”  Councilman O’Brien, Chair of the City Council Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs and good friend of SPIN said, “Advocates and individuals with intellectual disabilities have rightfully asserted that the term “mental retardation” is language that is both disparaging and hurtful. Today, we publicly demonstrate that we do not accept language that is exclusionary and we publicly challenge our citizens to think differently about those with intellectual disabilities.”

Councilman O’Brien took a moment to acknowledge SPIN’s leadership over the years and SPIN’s self advocates who were present in the Mayor’s Reception Room at City Hall to observe and celebrate this momentous occasion. It was a proud moment for Barbara Romanisky, David Armbrister, Lori Copestick and Doris Rucker who were the first to thank and congratulate the Mayor personally for this monumental step forward in changing words that will lead to changing how people think about those with differing abilities. 

After signing the bill, the Mayor again addressed the room and specifically the four SPIN self advocates telling them to always walk with their heads high, work to achieve their full potential and to never let anyone tell them their potential is limited. It was truly a Life of Possibilities moment.

As the event came to a close, Barbara, David, Lori and Doris all told the Mayor he is doing a good job; words that made him smile from ear to ear! The entire SPIN family thanks and congratulates Mayor Nutter, Councilman O’Brien and Commissioner Evans for their leadership on behalf of people with Intellectual DisAbility.