The jettison of the derogatory and stigmatizing term “retard” demonstrates a growing focus on human beings, rather than any intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. The bill is named for Rosa Marcellino, a 9-year-old girl from Maryland, diagnosed with Down syndrome. Rosa’s mother, Nina:

“This has always been about so much more than just changing words or political correctness. It’s about marking a new era where the dignity of people with intellectual disabilities is respected and their value appreciated.”

In the words of Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), who introduced the bill:

This bill is driven by a passion for social justice and a compassion for the human condition. At its core, it comes down to what Rosa’s brother Nick said in testimony before the Maryland General Assembly, ‘What you call people is how you treat them.'”