Final regulations replace phrase ‘mental retardation’ with ‘intellectual disability’

By the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

WASHINGTON (July 12, 2017)—The U.S. Department of Education released final regulations that amend multiple department acts by removing the phrase “mental retardation” and replacing it with the words “intellectual disability” or “intellectual disabilities” July 11.

Rosa’s Law implements statutory changes in applicable Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ (OSERS) regulations: the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Other department acts affected by Rosa’s Law include the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended.

View final regulations at the Federal Register

Last modified on August 28, 2018