Governor Kasich Signs Legislation, Changes Terms for People With Intellectual Disability in Ohio Law

State Representative Jonathan Dever (R-Madeira) yesterday announced Governor John Kasich’s signing of House Bill 158, legislation that removes “mental retardation” and its derivatives from the Ohio Revised Code and replaces it with “intellectual disability” and its derivatives. Representative Dever, the sponsor of House Bill 158, was on hand for the bill’s signing yesterday at St. Joseph Home, located in the City of Sharonville, Ohio.

HB 158 removes a negative connotation from the Ohio Revised Code without impacting the scope of developmental disability definitions. House Bill 158 also includes "intellectual disability" in the meaning of the term “developmental disability.”

“Words do matter. The removal of the ‘R-word’ will help treat our state’s most vulnerable individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Dever said. “I was proud to stand by Governor Kasich and members of the disability community today as he signed this important piece of legislation.”

House Bill 158 was passed unanimously by both chambers before ultimately being signed by the Governor yesterday.