May 11, 2011 - MONTPELIER - Accompanied by advocates for disabled Vermonters, Gov. Peter Shumlin today signed S.90, a bill designed to ensure the state’s statutes, policies and other documents use respectful language when referring to people with disabilities.

The bill creates a working group to, among other tasks, identify words that should not be used in Vermont statutes and regulations, and suggest words that reflect a positive view of people with disabilities. In addition, the report will identify specific statutes related to respectful language that should be addressed by lawmakers.

“In addition to being respectful in our day-to-day language, we need to review our official documents and policies and remove the words that are hurtful and demeaning toward our disabled friends, family members and neighbors,” Gov. Shumlin said.

The committee membership includes appointees by the Governor, at least one high school student, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, Green Mountain Self-Advocates, the Vermont Center for Independent Living, Vermont Psychiatric Survivors and others.

“I personally thank these groups and everyone involved in bringing this issue to the forefront,” Gov. Shumlin said.

The report is due to lawmakers by Nov. 1.