According to DisabilityScoop, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it no longer use the term “mental retardation”, instead using the term “intellectual disability”. The SSA said that it decided to switch terms after “widespread adoption” by other agencies.
“Advocates for individuals with intellectual disability have rightfully asserted that the term ‘mental retardation’ has negative connotations, has become offensive to many people, and often results in misunderstandings about the nature of the disorder and those who have it,” the SSA said.
Due to the change, DisabilityScoop reported, “all references to ‘mental retardation’ and ‘mentally retarded children’ will be replaced with “intellectual disability” and “children with intellectual disability” within Social Security’s Listing of Impairments and other agency rules.”
The changes will not affect or influence Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. The change will be adopted over the next month. DisabilityScoop notes that the move comes three years after President Barack Obama signed legislation known as Rosa’s Law, which replaced references to “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in federal health, education and labor policy documents.
Someone who has an intellectual disability may be eligible for disability benefits. If you think you qualify for benefits, contact a Tulsa Social Security Disability attorney today for help. We offer free evaluations of your case, and you can reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404. Disability law is all we do—you can watch the video embedded above for more information.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers
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