Mansoor: ‘Intellectually disabled’ is a better term

A bill proposed by Assemblyman Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa) that would change the term “mentally retarded” to “intellectually disabled” in state codes is headed to the governor’s desk for approval.

Assembly Bill 2370, or the “Shriver R-Word Act,” would also change “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability.”

The law is named on behalf of the Shriver political family, which has supported the intellectually disabled community for generations.

The late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, President Kennedy’s sister, founded the Special Olympics.

“Much of society does not recognize the emotionally charged negative connotation and stigma associated with that word,” Mansoor said in a news release. “I’m proud of my colleagues for their support of this bill.”

The “Shriver R-Word Act” was approved by the Assembly and state Senate, but still requires Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature.

—Joseph Serna

Twitter: @JosephSerna