President's Committee on Mental Retardation Dear Mr. President: I have the honor to transmit the second report of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. Although I have assumed the chairmanship of the Committee too recently to participate in the development of the report and the recommendations, I nevertheless urge fullest consideration for its recommendations on the part of all concerned government and private agencies. During its second year, the Committee has continued its studies in the 10 priority need areas identified in its first report. Work has focused on three of those areas - residential care, manpower needs and mental retardation in poverty neighborhoods. Reports and recommendations in those three areas, together with an assessment of trends that are working basic change in mental retardation programs, make up this report. Individual members of this Committee, Mr. President, are eminent in their fields and leaders of many years' standing in the Nation's endeavor to make progress in serving human and social service needs. We can look to the future with confidence as long as distinguished citizens such as the members of this Committee give of their experience, knowledge and vision to help the Nation chart its progress for the common good. The Committee is deeply grateful for the encouragement and guidance that you have so fully and unstintingly given. informed, continuing interest in the problem of mental retardation inspires us in our belief that the national effort to deal more effectively with mental retardation will ultimately be achieved. Respectfully yours, Your Real change announces itself in new ways of tackling problems and needs at the grass-roots level. There are now hundreds of such new-look activities throughout the country. The following pages present a sampling. Diagnosis, Study, Treatment: A Problem of Availability Interest and expertise in mental retardation are still scarce in health, education, social work, psychology and other professions. As a result, competent, helpful guidance for retarded children and their families continues to be a desperate need. Progress is coming as specialists recognize that mental retardation is a many-sided problem and that its "cure" comes only in the fullest possible development of individuals' particular abilities. Prevention demands massive public education and public involvement as well as top professional work These needs are now producing such innovative programs as |