The term “emotional disturbance,” as defined in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and used throughout the California Education Code and the California Code of Regulations, is one of 13 categories for special education eligibility. However, for many, this term is triggering, stigmatizing, and outdated.
In response to public feedback, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a Democrat and former special education teacher, sponsored AB 2173. Signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and becoming law on January 1, 2025, AB 2173 added Section 97 to the California Education Code. This Section permits California local educational agencies to instead use the term “emotional disability” interchangeably with the term “emotional disturbance.” California is not alone in adopting alternative language for this disability. An analysis conducted by the State Education Department of the State of New York in 2020 found that “emotional disability” is used by 12 states. This number subsequently increased after New York adopted the term in 2022.
Overall, the goal of AB 2173 was to create a simple fix that eliminates confusion while maintaining compliance with federal standards.
"the California Association of School Psychologists praised the move, saying in a statement that the ”change in terminology will help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges which can be a major barrier to individuals seeking help and support.”
