Enable America Urges Florida Governor to Sign Bill Banning "Retardation"

Tampa, FL, May 02, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Today the Florida State House unanimously passed a bill that will eliminate the phrase “mental retardation” from state law, sending the measure onto Governor Rick Scott for his signature. Enable America, a nonprofit working to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, urges Governor Scott to sign the bill into law.

“Perception is a key component to understanding the capabilities that all people with disabilities possess, and we commend the Florida Legislature for unanimously passing this bill,” said Richard Salem, founder and chairman of Enable America. “We are confident that Governor Scott also understands the significance of this legislation, and will quickly take executive action to right a wrong that is long overdue.”

Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, including Enable America, have long maintained phrases such as “mental retardation” and “retard” are dated and offensive. Under this law, those words will be replaced by the phrase “intellectually disabled,” and the laws will remain intact.

“In 2010 President Obama banned the use of these words in federal policy, and 43 states have also done so,” Salem said. “Enable America extends its appreciation to Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) and Representative Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach) for their sponsorship of this legislation, as well as The Arc of Florida, for pushing this initiative forward. Today’s development is a victory for all people with disabilities, not just in Florida, but across the nation, as we continue to work to eliminate unfair stereotypes.”

Since 2002, Enable America has worked to improve the lives of the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities, through programs that increase access to employment. Career Mentoring Programs, Job Seeker Workshops, and VETCONNECT Programs for disabled veterans and wounded warriors, build bridges between employers, social service agencies and people with disabilities. The nonprofit marked its tenth anniversary last September with expansion of programming into the Washington DC area, including its first mentoring program with a federal agency, the FBI.

Companies, agencies, organizations, and individuals who want to participate in Enable America programs can learn more at the organization’s website, EnableAmerica.org.