Wording in some laws simply inaccurate
In response to the article, “Palatine attorney wants to do away with offensive words in Illinois law,” Over the Rainbow Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing independent living solutions and employment opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities, applauds attorney Kerry Lavelle and state Sen. Matt Murphy for their efforts to remove offensive words from Illinois law.
As a quadriplegic who leads a full, independent life and is surrounded by others doing the same every day, the word crippled is not only outdated, it’s simply an inaccurate representation of the abilities of people like me. Physically disabled is just that — a physical distinction. My mind, intelligence, passion for my work, devotion to those I care about and the desire to help a cause greater than myself in no way connect with the word crippled.
Our organization views this proposal as not just a symbolic effort, but a legitimate step toward removing archaic and inaccurate verbiage from our laws that in no way reflect the capabilities of the thousands of physically disabled Illinois citizens that lead productive, impactful lives every day.
Leo Kirwan
Chairman
Over The Rainbow Association
Evanston