Instead of using the term “mental retardation” when referring to individuals with a developmental disability, the Social Security Administration announced on August 1st that it will now use the term “intellectual disability.”
With this new distinction “intellectual disability” will replace any instance of “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded children” in the Social Security lists of impairments and other agency publications. Changing of the term will not affect the evaluation of individuals with mental disability however.
The change was made after many advocates said the term “mental retardation” was offensive and resulted in both misunderstandings of a disorder’s origination and for those who suffer from the disorder.
If you are in Indiana and need legal assistance when applying for Social Security disability, contact a lawyer from the Hankey Marks & Crider, P.C., by calling 317-634-8565 today and find out how we can help you.