An Agency Enabled. Gov. Makes MassAbility Name, Official

Above, Franklin's Ali Rheaume gets a handshake and ceremonial pen from Gov. Healey.

Thursday, Governor
Maura Healey signed legislation that renames the Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, and Franklin activist Ali
Rheaume was one of the invited guests.

According to the
Governor’s office, Healey filed the 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 The legislation also removes outdated terms from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 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,”
she added.

Rheaume was one of
about a dozen invited guests, plus MassAbility staff and one or two
legislators, notably Sen. Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. 

“It was an honor
to be invited to the legislative signing for the exciting transition
of Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility,” said
Rheaume, who is a member of the Franklin Commission on Persons with
Disabilities and also leads a group called Rise Up.

“The room was
filled with people passionate about supporting individuals who
navigate life disability, which is truly inspiring and supportive for
the community,” continued Rheaume, adding, "when I am with anyone
from MassAbility, I feel seen, welcomed, and loved for who I am, as I
am.”

“This historic
legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the
disability movement forward,” said MassAbility Commissioner Toni
Wolf, with whom Rheaume has worked frequently. “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,” Wolf added.

Below, Spectrum News interviews Rheaume about her work just prior to the signing ceremony.