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Rosa's Law (P.L. 111-256)

Legislation that replaces the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in specific federal health, education, and labor laws.

September 2, 2010

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pdf File AUCD Statement on Introduction of Rosa's Law.pdf (52KB) [download]

pdf File Text of Proposed Rosa's Law.pdf (32KB) [download]

pdf File Enzi & Mikulski Dear Colleague Letter.pdf (329KB) [download]

pdf File Floor Statement of Sen. Enzi.pdf (20KB) [download]

pdf File Rosa's Law Support Organizations 0810.pdf (94KB) [download]

pdf File Thank you letter to Sen. Enzi.pdf (187KB) [download]

Signed into public law by President Obama on October 5, 2010, Rosa's Law changes the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" to "intellectual disability" and "intellectually disabled" in various federal laws that primarily relate to education and employment.  In addition, the law does not expand or diminish services, rights or educational opportunities. It simply makes federal language consistent with that used by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the President's Committee on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.