Pejorative Mental Health Language Bill Becomes Law

A message from the Mental Health Association in New Jersey

On August 7, New Jersey made important progress in our efforts to end stigma when Governor Christie signed A3357/S2224 into New Jersey law. The passing of this law will result in the removal of negative terms referring to people with psychiatric, cognitive or developmental disabilities in state statutes. The bills were sponsored by Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg with many co-sponsors. It is important to note that the bill passed through both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly with unanimous positive votes in both houses!

Mental illness can strike anyone. It knows no age limits, economic status, race, creed or color. During the course of a year, one in four families is affected by mental illness. Many people have wrong and damaging ideas on the subject. Their opinions affect their actions and often prevent New Jersey residents with mental illness from living productive lives and contributing to their communities. Stigma around mental illness is often a huge obstacle to individual recovery. Accurate facts and information may help change negative ideas and help develop more informed and fair opinions.

"The Mental Health Association in New Jersey applauds our legislators for recognizing the importance of language in the fight against stigma," stated Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ).

"Opinions are often formed by what is said, words that are used to describe mental illness or those with a mental illness. Changing outdated, disparaging language in our laws makes a strong statement that in New Jersey we are taking responsibility at the highest levels to acknowledge and remove destructive words that have contributed to stigma against those suffering with a mental illness," said Senator Weinberg.

"This is an important step in helping to change opinions about mental illness that are negative and based on incorrect information. These views cause stigma which often inhibits people who have mental illness from seeking treatment due to fear of repercussions of public knowledge of their problem. The treatment they avoid could be the key to enable them to lead productive lives and contribute to their communities," stated Assemblywoman Huttle.

Ultimately, this law eliminates demeaning and disrespectful terms when referring to persons with psychiatric, cognitive or developmental disabilities. For example: first-person language is now used; provisions are made gender neutral to the extent possible; anachronistic and unclear language has been eliminated or refined; and the names of institutions and agencies have been made current.

Examples of language to be replaced include:

Old Language

• Lunatic
• Institution for the Blind, Feeble Minded, Epileptic, and Insane
• Insane Asylum
• Incompetent

New Language

• Mentally Incapacitated
• Institutions for persons who are blind or have a mental illness or developmental disability
• Psychiatric Facility; Psychiatric Hospital
• Incapacitated

The MHANJ, Disability Rights New Jersey and other community partners consulted with the New Jersey Law Revision Commission as the bill was designed and developed. The MHANJ in a leadership role, along with the New Jersey Mental Health Coalition and others in the mental health community were strong advocates in supporting the bill.

SOURCE:  MHANJ's Cutting Edge Newsletter

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Needs More Support!

A message from The ARC of Middlesex County

The failure of the U.S. Senate to ratify The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) last year means that we have to garner more support for this important treaty this year. 

Over the last year, The Arc has been working with numerous disability advocacy groups to garner support for ratifying the treaty, which will promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.

This week, in honor of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability groups are organizing events in Washington, DC to draw attention to this important treaty.  Opponents of the treaty continue to work to stop ratification, and we need advocates like you to stand up to them. We need more U.S. Senators to support this treaty, so we need your help!

We need you to call your Senators and ask them to support the CRPD and urge their leaders to bring it up for hearings and a vote.  

It is important for you to contact your Senators today and let them know that you support CRPD.  We need every U.S. Senator to be contacted and to know that the disability community is leading the movement for U.S. ratification of this international disability treaty and our voice matters.

Tell your Senators:

• I am a person with a disability (I am a family member/friend/supporter of a person with a disability) and I want you to support CRPD!
• This treaty is very important to the U.S. disability community! Following U.S. ratification of the treaty, U.S. leadership will help raise accessibility around the world, directly helping Americans with disabilities who live, work, or travel abroad.  
• The CRPD will not cost the federal government any additional funds.
• The CRPD has been reviewed by both Republican and Democratic Attorneys General and by past Counsel to Presidents. They confirm that it does not threaten the sovereignty of the U.S. nor does it require any new legislation to comply with the treaty. 
• This treaty is good for American business and for the world. It will allow us to bring our knowledge and our products that help make society accessible to the whole world.
• Failure to ratify the CRPD is embarrassing for the US.  We are the leaders in disability rights and we need to show the world that we support those rights for all individuals with disabilities around the globe.

New Jersey Death with Dignity Act

NJ Assembly panel has recently approved legislation known as the “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act,” which would allow voters to decide if New Jersey should create a process for terminally patients who wish to be provided medicinal assistance to end their lives.

Current NJ Law

A person who purposely aids another to commit suicide is guilty of a crime of the second degree if his conduct causes such suicide or an attempted suicide, and otherwise of a crime of the fourth degree. N.J. Statute Sec. 2C:11-6.

Background

On September 27, 2012, Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (Democrat, District 3) introduced A3328.  His bill, the “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act” mirrors Oregon’s and Washington’s doctor-prescribed suicide laws, also called “Death with Dignity” laws.  On October 15, 2012, Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (Democrat, District 22) and Senator Joseph F. Vitale (Democrat, District 19) introduced the Senate version of the bill.

If passed by the New Jersey legislature, the Act, as now written, would have to be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election to be held at least 70 days following the date of its enactment. However, Assemblyman Burzichelli has indicated that he may amend the bill so that it does not require voter approval.

If approved by the voters, the act would take effect on the first day of the third month following voter approval.

Text of A-3328, Assembly version of “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act”
Text of S-2259, Senate version of “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act”

Click here for an analysis of the bills put together by The Patients Rights Council.

ACI is currently working with other groups, such as Not Dead Yet, to educate the public and the legislature about the dangers of the "New Jersey Die with Dignity Act." Let us know if you wish to join our efforts!

Middlesex County Public Hearing - Transportation

On June 6th, 2013, the Middlesex County Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on the Senior Citizens Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program's FY 2014 budget. This is an opportunity for the public to give their input and express their concerns this program, which funds the county's Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT) service.

WHEN: June 6th, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

WHERE: Middlesex County Administration Building 1 JFK Square, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

A message from the New American Movement for People with Disabilities

In a global effort to improve the quality of life and human rights for over 650 million people with disabilities in all countries; the United Nations has called on the international community to join in ratifying its’ universal treaty the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Joining 153 other countries in the agreement to ensure that human rights are protected for all disabled persons, the Obama Administration; signed the treaty in 2009. Across the nation, disability advocates and lobbyists have called for the administration to urge the U.S. government to grant final approval of the treaty’s ratification.

Initially, their efforts proved to be a success because the treaty was officially submitted by the President to be ratified by the US Senate in May 2011. However, their work was temporarily thwarted after the Senate failed to ratify the treaty on December 4th, 2012. It was a huge disappointment for disability advocates across the globe and for many in the Senate. Although it gained substantial bipartisanship support leading up to floor vote, many rescinded their endorsement at the last minute. The New American Movement continues to advocate for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by following its updates and encouraging our supporters to take action with us.

The UN’s disability treaty, seeks to protect the basic rights and human dignities of people with disabilities. The treaty also calls for all to be treated fairly; to not be discriminated against, and have to access to the same privileges as everyone else in society.  The guiding principles of the Convention, establishes individual autonomy, protecting integrity, non-discrimination; equal opportunity, accessibility, gender equality, voting rights, and respect for children with disabilities.

The importance of this treaty’s ratification signifies the progression in defending citizens’ rights to fair treatment, opportunity, and freedom in a global community regardless of individual differences. If passed by the Senate, the United States will show its support and concern for disabled persons by reinforcing the rights that all people in society are entitled. To learn more about the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, you can read about the treaty’s established Rights’ here.

Please help the New American Movement, and contact your Senators by utilizing our action alert! You can also receive updates regarding the status of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by clicking here. Additionally, the New American Movement team encourages our supporters to use social media to contact Senators! ​

Let us know what you think by sending an email to nampwd@caunj.org.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your support!

Voters with Disabilities

On Primary Election Day, June 4, 2013 from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Disability Rights New Jersey will have attorneys available by telephone to answer your questions concerning any disability-related voting problem you might experience.

PHONE: 1-800-922-7233 or 609-633-7106 (TTY)

EMAIL: mciccone@drnj.org

Threats to our special education rights!

The Time to Act is NOW!

We all know that there are many challenges to ensuring that our children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education under our current NJ Special Education Code. But the problems we are facing today will be nothing compared to what we will face if the proposed regulations changes are adopted by the NJ Board of Education!

PLEASE read the document below and share with parents in your district.

THREATS_SPAN_Action_Alert_State_Code_2013.pdf