District Of Columbia § 2-632 - Respectful language.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 2-632 — Respectful language., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-632. Respectful language.
2-632On or after September 29, 2006, all new and revised sections of the District of Columbia Official Code, all new, revised, or republished District regulations, rules, policies, or publications and all internet publications shall, when referring to persons with disabilities:
Avoid any use of following terms, except as required by any law or regulation: “afflicted,” “cripple,” “crippled,” “defective,” “feebleminded,” “handicapped,” “handicap,” “idiot,” “lunatic,” “imbecile,” “insane,” “invalid,” “maimed,” “moron,” “suffering,” “wheelchair user,” or “wheelchair bound”;
Use “person,” “people,” “individual,” “individuals,” “adult,” “adults,” “child,” “children,” or “youth” in sentence construction so that the language refers to individuals:
With disabilities or with conditions that result in disability;
Who have disabilities or who have conditions that result in disability; or
Who use or who need assistive technology.
Beginning on Sept. 26, 2012, all new and revised sections of the District of Columbia Code, all new, revised, or republished District regulations, rules, policies, or publications, and all internet publications shall avoid the use of the terms “mental retardation,” “mentally retarded,” and “retarded,” except as required by any law or regulation, and further:
Where the term “mental retardation” is used, the term “intellectual disability” or “intellectual disabilities” shall be substituted;
Where the term “intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation” is used, the term “intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities” shall be substituted;
Where the term “qualified mental retardation professional” is used, the term “qualified developmental disability professional” shall be substituted; and
Where the term “is at least moderately mentally retarded” is used, the term “has at least a moderate intellectual disability” shall be substituted.
Beginning 6 months after Sept. 26, 2012, all policies and signage shall comply with subsection (a-1) of this section.
Upon the earlier of reprinting or after one year following Sept. 26, 2012, all publications shall comply with subsection (a-1) of this section.
On or after 6 months following September 29, 2006, all policies and signage shall comply with subsection (a) of this section.
Upon the earlier of reprinting or September 30, 2007, all publications shall comply with subsection (a) of this section.
No statute, regulation, or rule shall be invalid because it does not comply with this section.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 2-632
What does D.C. Code § 2-632 cover?
Section 2-632 ("Respectful language.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 2-632?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 2-632" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 2-632 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.