Governor Healey Signs Legislation Renaming Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to ‘MassAbility’
Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility. Governor Healey filed this bill last year to reflect the administration’s goal of expanding the agency’s reach and ushering in a new, more inclusive model for disability career services and independent living. The legislation also removes outdated terms from the general laws like “handicap,” “handicapped,” and “retarded,” replacing them with “barrier,” “person with a disability,” and person with an “intellectual disability.”
“Words matter. This legislation ensures that the names and terms we use accurately reflect the strength and capabilities of the disability community, supports our goal of helping the people we serve achieve autonomy and independence, and breaks down stigma,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m grateful to our partners in the Legislature for advancing this legislation, and to the members of the disability community and our team at MassAbility and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services who advocated to make this a reality in Massachusetts”
“MassAbility exemplifies a sense of community and belonging,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By updating these laws, we are putting outdated terms aside while honoring the disability community’s tenacity. MassAbility today provides services that break down barriers, cultivate diversity and empower people to thrive in their workplaces and their communities.”
The new name directly resulted from feedback from the disability community and was selected following significant research, focus groups, surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and advocacy organizations.
“The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world.”
The name directly resulted from feedback from the disability community and was selected following significant research, focus groups, surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and advocacy organizations.
“This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases, and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve used have not reflected the strengths, resilience, and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible, and inclusive for people with disabilities.”
“MassAbility signals the intentionality of the Healey-Driscoll Administration for driving a more inclusive workforce, workplace, and work opportunities for individuals with all capabilities,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “Massachusetts is dedicated to fostering an equitable workforce system, and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development looks forward to building on shared strategies to achieve this in collaboration with MassAbility.”
“Every person has the right to live an independent and meaningful life regardless of ability, with the same access to work, housing, and services that every resident deserves,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “With the Governor’s signature, we change this name to one which reflects the strong work of MassAbility to deliver that access to every individual who works with them, and we remove archaic laws — an important step towards becoming a more equitable Commonwealth. I am deeply grateful to the Governor for her signature, my colleagues for their support, Speaker Mariano, and our partners in the House.”
“This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I would like to thank Governor Healey for filing the bill originally, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for working to pass this important legislation.”
Working alongside the disability community, MassAbility provides services that break down barriers, cultivate diversity, and empower people to thrive in their workplaces and their communities.
To learn more, visit mass.gov/MassAbility.
Statements of Support
Colleen Holmes, President and CEO, Viability Inc.:
“The name change to MassAbility is cause for celebration by anyone who has had to bear the indignity of being labeled by their circumstance, condition, or diagnosis. “MassAbility” is more than just a new terminology. It signals a willingness to continue to evolve towards ensuring space and opportunities for individuals who may access services to be seen for who they are, heard as someone possessing the knowledge of walking in their own shoes, and counted in full.”
Kristen McCosh, City of Boston Disability Commissioner:
“The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission has been a valued partner in advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the City of Boston. We are excited to carry this work forward with ‘MassAbility,’ the agency’s new name which focuses on strength and respect for workers with disabilities.”
Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt, International Association of Top Professionals #1 Inspirational Speaker, Disability Hall of Famer:
“Expressing my wholehearted support for your administration’s recent legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to ‘MassAbility.’ This proposed change is not just a mere adjustment of terminology, but a profound step towards reflecting a more inclusive, respectful, and empowering perspective on disability. As someone who was born a 4-way amputee and who has dedicated much of my life to advocating for individuals with disabilities, I understand deeply the power of language in shaping perceptions and experiences.”
Meg Coffin, CEO, Center for Living & Working:
“The Center for Living & Working congratulates you on new name MassAbility. We look forward to continuing our partnership in ensuring those living with disabilities in Massachusetts are provided the same opportunities, supports, and services that have been offered for years. Your name reflects what our work is all about affording everyone the ability to achieve their goals.”
Destiny Maxam, Disability Inclusion Team Leader:
“To me, the name change reflects my voice being heard. For so long, things were being done about us without us. And now through multiple ways my voice is not only being heard, but listened to and acted upon. The name change reflects this, we may be disabled but have so many abilities especially when we put our voices together.”
George Farrington, Disability Inclusion Team Leader:
The new name says it all. I’m a brain tumor and brain injury survivor, and I belong to the New Start Brain Injury Community Center, which is a program that falls under the vast umbrella of MassAbility. Thanks to New Start, I realized that I still had the ability to live a meaningful life and the ability to still chase my dreams. One of which is furthering awareness and helping better the lives of people with disabilities. This name change puts the emphasis more on people with disabilities actual abilities, which is a sign that the state is ready and willing to do the same thing now and for generations to come.”
Kristen Flynn, Family Inclusion Ambassador:
“The name change to MassAbility is the public facing representation of the commitment of this agency to continue to ask questions and challenge the norms in support of all people with disabilities. It has been an exciting time to be part of the progressive effort that MassAbility is making as Massachusetts continues to be a leader in disability advocacy and inclusion.”
Aimee Rodrigues, Family Inclusion Ambassador:
“As the disability community continues to break down barriers toward an equitable future, it is only fitting we rid the stigma and support independence and self-determination with a powerful name change. MassAbility encompasses our commitment to leading the way for a more inclusive and accessible life for all.”
Gillan Wang, Family Inclusion Ambassador:
“The name MassAbility celebrates all that each person brings to the table; we are, all of us, differently abled, but together we are at our strongest. This name change signifies an awareness that words matter, and it reflects the genuine commitment of this agency to support individuals and families and empower all of us to live our best lives.”
Briana Berthiaume, Disability Inclusion Leader:
“The name change from MRC to MassAbility shifts the focus from a faceless bureaucracy to a participant-oriented organization. Everyone who receives services is unique, and MassAbility honors the individual and what they can bring to the world with the right support.”
Jeffrey Snyder, Disability Inclusion Leader:
“The evolution of disability support is never ending and we must do whatever it takes to support the disability community at large whether it’s in education, employment or everyday life. As a Disability Inclusion Leader, I feel that the next step in the evolution from MRC to MassAbility can give hope and confidence to the individuals and families we serve.”
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