Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Washington Revised Code Title 44. State Government--Legislative § 44.04.280. State laws--Respectful language

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) The legislature recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes towards people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used diminish the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. The legislature finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.

(2)(a) The code reviser is directed to avoid all references to: Disabled, developmentally disabled, mentally disabled, mentally ill, mentally retarded, handicapped, cripple, and crippled, in any new statute, memorial, or resolution, and to change such references in any existing statute, memorial, or resolution as sections including these references are otherwise amended by law.

(b) The code reviser is directed to replace terms referenced in (a) of this subsection as appropriate with the following revised terminology: “Individuals with disabilities,” “individuals with developmental disabilities,” “individuals with mental illness,” and “individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

(3) No statute, memorial, or resolution is invalid because it does not comply with this section.

(4) The replacement of outmoded terminology with more appropriate references may not be construed as changing the application of any provision of this code to any person.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Washington Revised Code Title 44. State Government--Legislative § 44.04.280. State laws--Respectful language - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wa/title-44-state-governmentlegislative/wa-rev-code-44-04-280/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard