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Above, newly-named MassAbiliy Commissioner Toni Wolf." Commissioner Toni Wolf and all those involved are amazing advocates for the community," says Franklin's Ali Rheaume.
Last week, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to MassAbility, a change that will define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities live independently. And no one is happier about the new name that local activist, Ali Rheaume.
“As a client of MRC myself, I am extremely grateful for all they do,” said Rheaume. Specifically, she said, they have helped her return to work within her capacity, start her own business, take classes, and more. “I want more people to know about them and benefit from what they have to offer, so I think the name change will help guide more people towards this resource,” she added.
The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.
The legislation also removes terminology now generally deemed offensive, in the Massachusetts General Laws referring to people with disabilities in sections of the law that pertain to 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). “This name change reflects the strong work of MassAbility to deliver that access to every individual who works with them. In removing archaic laws, we are taking an important step towards making our laws reflective of the equitable Commonwealth we continue to strive for. I’m deeply grateful to Senator Collins for his committee’s work on this legislation and each Senator for their support.”
“This legislation is not just a name change but a mission enhancement,” said Senator Nick Collins, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight. “By defining the Commonwealth’s response now with emphasis on the abilities of our citizens, we are taking the MassAbility Commission in a new proactive, positive direction to better serve the community’s needs.”
“This historic legislation represents the state's commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said 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.”
“I have been a supporter of this change from the start,” said Rheaume. “Commissioner Toni Wolf and all those involved are amazing advocates for the community. The effort they put in is paramount and I hope that the legislation continues to move forward,” she added.
A previous version of this bill having passed the House of Representatives, the two branches will now reconcile the differences between the bills, before sending it to the Governor’s desk.
