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 Changing outdated, disparaging language in our laws makes a strong statement that in New Jersey we are taking responsibility at the highest levels to acknowledge and remove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

Rhythmic Resources with Julie Bunucci

ACI staff and volunteers participated in a drum circle facilitated by Julie Bunucci. Thank you Julie for the great class!

Disability Advocate, Colleen Fraser, honored in Union County

Colleen Fraser was honored for her work as an advocate for people with disabilities and a champion for disability rights in a ceremony on Monday, July 29th in Westfield, Union County. Union County's Public Safety Building was dedicated to her memory.

Colleen, who headed Union County's Office for the Disabled in the 1980's, was Executive Director of the Progressive Center for Independent Living in Mercer County, tragically died during the terrorist attacks of 9-11.

Read more about Colleen and the ceremony:

• Channel News 12: Public building in Union County dedicated to disability advocate Colleen Fraser, killed on 9/11
• Star Ledger: Union County names building in memory of 9/11 victim who made a difference
  

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!

FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP

Michelle Ford from LifeLong Retirement Corp presented a workshop on Financial Literacy to participants in ACI's  Career Track program. Michelle discussed the importance of budgeting,  appropriate use of credit cards, tips on selecting banks, and check  writing skill.

Thank you Michelle and LifeLong Retirement Corp for the very informative workshop!

ACI Visits the office of SENATOR MENENDEZ

On Thursday, July 18th, ACI Executive Director, Carole Tonks and Deputy Director, Luke Koppisch, met with Carolyn Fefferman, Esq, Senior Adviser to US Senator Robert Menendez. They discussed the services ACI offers as well as the role the CILs have in providing assistance people with disabilities to live independently. Carolyn was especially interested in ACI's work in emergency preparedness.