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NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

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From Commissioner Ritter:

It’s official!

Governor David A. Paterson officially signed our name change into law today‑ the name of this agency is now the New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)!

This historical legislation not only removes the words “Mental Retardation” from the name of our agency, but also from State statute and regulations, excluding clinical references. The new name was chosen in March 2010 by consensus of representative stakeholders. It eliminates the stigmatizing language which was part of the agency’s name and instead reflects this Office’s motto of “Putting People First.” It is consistent with the People First language law which was enacted in 2007 and which mandates that in statutory language, we place the emphasis on the people served and not their disabilities.

I am incredibly pleased to have been a part of this vital milestone that greatly supports our mission of helping people with developmental disabilities live richer lives.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Ritter

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