State Celebrates Upcoming Name Change from Department of Mental Retardation to Department of Developmental Services

BOSTON — In honor of Developmental Disabilities Month, representatives of the Patrick Administration, members of the Legislature and advocates gathered today at the State House to celebrate the upcoming name change of the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) to the Department of Developmental Services(DDS), which will take effect on June 30, 2009.

The name change, enacted through legislation in 2008, is the direct result of active engagement and input from advocates, particularly self-advocates with developmental disabilities, who believe that changing the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services is a key step in promoting dignity and respect for people with disabilities. In addition, the agency’s new name will also better reflect the range of services and supports offered.

“Changing the agency’s name to the Department of Developmental Services reflects the Patrick Administration’s commitment to promoting dignity and respect for people with disabilities,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby. “We celebrate those who worked so hard to have the right name in the right place.”

“The Department’s name change affords the kind of dignity and respect that self-advocates and families have long been seeking and that they certainly deserve,” added the Department’s Commissioner Elin Howe.

“This name change is more than just symbolic,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “This is a significant step toward changing attitudes and perceptions about a population of people who are part of our society and deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity as any other person. This wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and leadership of Senator Berry, Senator Spilka and Senator Brewer, and I want to congratulate them and everyone else involved. This is a great day for the Commonwealth.”

John Anton, a self-advocate from Haverhill, said, “The name change means we’ll all be treated equally and have a voice. I feel good, because I helped push the legislation for it at the State House. We’re equal like everyone else. The new name shows more respect and dignity.”

Craig Powers, a self-advocate from Brighton, said, “The name is like freedom now. It means getting more respect.”

Self-advocate Charles Pina of Haverhill said, “The new name, Department of Developmental Services, is very respectful. It’s important for us that we are seen as working individuals and are all human beings.”

Sandy Houghton, a self-advocate from Hadley added, “Now with the new name, people will all have the opportunity to be accepted for who they are and for all their abilities and what they want to do.”

Also at today’s State House event, Commissioner Howe presented the agency’s 2009 Dybwad Leadership Award to Luci Chansky of Newton, who has played a significant role in improving quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Ms. Chansky chairs the Metro Region Citizen Advisory Board and the Newton/South Norfolk Area Advisory Board and serves on the Board of The Arc of Massachusetts.

The state also recognized with Commissioner’s Exemplar Awards for their leadership in changing the name were:

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong
Senate President Therese Murray (Plymouth)
House Speaker Robert DeLeo (Winthrop)
Sen. Frederick Berry (Peabody)
Sen. Stephen Brewer (Barre)
Sen. Richard Moore (Uxbridge)
Sen. Steven Panagiotakos (Lowell)
Sen. Karen Spilka (Ashland)
Sen. Steven Tolman (Brighton)
Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera (Springfield)
Rep. Michael Costello (Newburyport)
Rep. Kevin Honan (Brighton)
Rep. Barbara L’Italien (Andover)
Rep. Tom Sannicandro (Ashland)

Advocates and organizations recognized as State House Honorees, by region, were:

Metro Boston

The Corbett Family (Belmont)
Patricia Quatieri (Arlington)
Roger Walsh (Norwood)
Fernald Developmental Center Ability Club (Waltham)
MRS Speaks Out Self-Advocacy Group (Waltham)

Southeastern Massachusetts

Elizabeth Ponte (Fall River)
Regina Diener (Plymouth)
Susan Harrington (Plymouth)
Neil Lazzara (Dennis)
Peter Lafferty (Berkley)

Western Massachusetts

The Pioneer Club / Mary “Betsey” Sullivan(Greenfield)
Karlene Shea (Holyoke)
Laurel Peltier (Amherst)

Northeastern

Trek for Respect Committee (Haverhill)
Minute Man Arc – Blue Team (Concord)

Central Massachusetts

Susan Moriarty (Gardner)

In addition, Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong recognized the following individuals with awards:

Craig Smith (Brighton)
Anne Fracht (Brighton)
John Anton (Haverhill)
Buddy Bostick (Haverhill)
Rep. Michael Costello (Newburyport)

About the Department of Mental Retardation/Department of Developmental Services

The Department is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

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