1985 — Mental Retardation: Plans for the Future

The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are pleased to transmit to you the 15th annual report of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation entitled, Mental Retardation: Plans for the Future. The committee has worked hard and long on this formidable task, and presents its essential findings in the pages that follow. What emerges from this document is a problem that is massive and multifaceted, but with many of its parts clearly open to solutions. Other parts must yield to further research. Still others appear to have benefited by our success in the past in dealing with the broader problem of the disadvantaged in our society.

The committee has looked at the problem with awareness that, important as it is, mental retardation is not the nation's only social problem, and that it cannot make unlimited demands on limited resources. The committee finds, however, that much can be accomplished through better use of what is now available, and makes the important point that the investments in prevention and human development, wisely planned and administered, can earn significant national dividends.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Heckler
Chairperson