[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 6424-6425]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to highlight the concerns of 
some of my constituents who are participating in an adult basic 
education program conducted by the ARC of Northern Rhode Island.
  Earlier in this session, John Mullaly, on behalf of his classmates, 
wrote to me to express his concerns regarding the use of the word 
``handicapped''.

[[Page 6425]]

  Mr. President, individuals who live with disabilities are one of the 
nation's great untapped resources. They have much to contribute, and 
they deserve to be fully integrated into every aspect of society. I am 
proud that so many of my colleagues share this point of view and that 
70 senators have joined in cosponsoring S. 331, the Work Incentives 
Improvement Act, legislation that allows individuals with disabilities 
to join the workforce while maintaining their health benefits under 
Medicare or Medicaid.
  As we debate this and other related legislation in the Senate, I hope 
that my colleagues will also consider the vocabulary we use. Mr. 
Mullaly and his classmates have suggested that we replace the term 
``handicapped'' with the phrase ``persons with physical/mental 
challenges''. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
Mr. Mullaly's letter be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                             The ARC of Northern Rhode Island,

                                                 February 2, 1999.
     Senator Jack Reed,
     Providence, RI.
       Dear Senator Jack Reed: We are students of Adult Basic 
     Education at the ARC of Northern Rhode Island. We believe 
     that everyone should be treated equally and be given the 
     chance to be the best that he or she can be. No one should 
     suffer discrimination. We know you agree with this. We are 
     trying to educate the general public and we need your help.
       We are trying to tell them that it discriminates against us 
     to refer to us as ``handicapped''. It is not an appropriate 
     word because it puts a stigma on us and a limit as to what we 
     can do. It is incredible what we can do and we would prefer 
     to be referred to as persons with physical/mental challenges. 
     We will take the challenge! That term gives us inspiration to 
     meet our goals. What are our goals? To be the best we can be, 
     to give others love, kindness, and inspiration. Also, to 
     protect the rights of others like us, and to educate the 
     public.
       Will you help us? Will you work towards using the new 
     terminology on signs in public places? We would also like 
     suggestions from you on how we can help bring this about and 
     protect the integrity of all concerned.
           Sincerely,
                                       John Mullaly, spokesperson,
     Adult Basic Education Classes.

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