Senate moves to get rid of offensive terms

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers Thursday continued work to wipe the Illinois law books clean of words that are offensive to the disabled.

Palatine-based attorney Kerry Lavelle wants to see offensive words banished from daily use, but said clearing the Illinois statutes of such language would be a good step in the right direction.

On Thursday, the Illinois Senate approved the idea, voting to replace phrases like “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” and “crippled” with “physically disabled.”

Lavelle's sister, Shannon, is disabled and resides at a care facility in Lake Zurich.

“I'm thrilled to death,” Lavelle said when told the legislation was approved. “I think it's wonderful.”

The 623-page plan wasn't controversial. It was approved by the Senate by a 54-0 vote and no debate. It now goes to the House.

Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican who sponsored the plan, said he wasn't surprised that the idea didn't generate much debate.

“I think it's something people see as a necessary step,” he said.

The House approved similar legislation earlier this year that doesn't include provisions to change the word “crippled.” Illinois isn't the first to make these changes. Several states already have, and last year the federal government did, too, when President Barack Obama signed legislation called “Rosa's Law.”