Bill Overview
Title: Words Matter Act of 2022
Description: This bill removes outdated terminology in specified statutes by replacing references to mentally retarded and mental retardation with intellectual disability .
Sponsors: Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Target Audience
Population: People with intellectual disabilities
Estimated Size: 6500000
- The bill focuses on replacing outdated terminology related to intellectual disabilities in legal statutes.
- The change in terminology impacts how individuals with intellectual disabilities are referred to legally and potentially socially.
- Globally, it is estimated that about 1-3% of the population is affected by intellectual disabilities.
- This legislative change could affect perceptions and reduce stigma among those with intellectual disabilities.
- Such terminology changes can influence various sectors including healthcare, education, and legal systems in their documentation and communication.
Reasoning
- The population affected by this policy includes individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and professionals who interact with them in fields such as healthcare, education, and law.
- Given the U.S. target population of 6.5 million individuals with intellectual disabilities, the policy could improve wellbeing by reducing stigma and fostering a more respectful social environment.
- Most benefits of the policy may manifest in terms of social perception rather than immediate material or financial benefits.
- It is important to simulate a range of individuals, some who are directly affected by the terminology change and others who are indirectly affected through societal shifts.
- The policy's budget is modest, indicating that the primary cost may relate to administrative and legal adjustments rather than large-scale public campaigns.
Simulated Interviews
Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel that people sometimes judge me based on the words they use.
- Changing the language to 'intellectual disability' sounds more respectful to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Special Education Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change is long overdue—students deserve to be referred to with dignity.
- I hope this will also lead to more awareness about teaching methods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Legal Advocate (New York, NY)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a victory in language but we need more policy changes.
- This terminology shift is a good start; we must continue forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- People often misconceive my daughter's capabilities based on language.
- Positive changes in language can lead to better treatment from others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changing terminology in medical documents can help reduce patients' stress.
- It's a step that shows respect and understanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Parent (Boise, ID)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My son's journey might be slightly easier with kinder words.
- I want him to be seen for who he is, not just his disability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Language has power—this policy acknowledges that.
- It's a positive change but needs broader societal acceptance to be meaningful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Policy Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change in language can pave the way for more inclusive policies.
- It's a necessary but small step in a larger journey.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Psychologist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Language impacts mental health—this is a positive shift.
- I look forward to seeing more care in how we communicate about disabilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change sets a precedent for future legal frameworks.
- It shows recognition and respect in the legal language.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The coordinated effort across federal and state levels might be required for comprehensive implementation, although costs will remain low.
- Public awareness initiatives might enhance the bill's positive social effects.