(Juneau) - HB 357, a bill which would change terminology in state statutes regarding persons with disabilities, passed the House Health, Education and Social Services Committee on Tuesday.

Sponsored by Representative Peggy Wilson (R-Wrangell), the bill would change the language in state statutes from "handicapped" to "person with a disability." Many states have already made the changes following the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

These changes were proposed in consultation with the Department of Labor, other state agencies and the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education. The language would not change the meaning of the statutes or modify any existing requirements or exemptions. The intent of the bill is simply to remove the negative and demeaning terminology from Alaska Statutes.

"It is important that we help people with disabilities change the stereotypes that have been associated with them, the same way that other groups in American society have done over the years," said Representative Wilson.

HB 357 now moves to the House Finance Committee.

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