The Law Office of Lillian E. Wong
A Massachusetts Special Education Attorney

Yesterday, President Obama signed legislation, known as Rosa's Law, into law.  Under this new law, federal legislation will no longer use the term mentally retardation.   Instead, federal law will use the term "intellectual disability."  Similarly, laws containing the term "a mentally retarded individual" will be replaced to read, "an individual with an intellectual disability."

This changes specifically applies to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the law governing special education law.  If your child's IEP describes your child as "mentally retarded" you now have the right to request the school change this reference to "an individual with an intellectual disability."