Lanterna Rally

Author: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington, DC. Secretary's Committee on Mental Retardation

Publisher:

Published: 1962

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13:

The 1962 report defines the problem of mental retardation and summarizes both activities of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW) and objectives of the President's panel to combat mental retardation. Mental retardation is defined to be a condition characterized by faulty intellectual development which impairs learning ability and adaptation to societal demands. Discussed are aspects such as degrees of retardation, etiology, the problem's scope such as the percentage (3%) of retarded children born yearly, national concern expressed in efforts such as diagnostic services, and future trends based on factors such as longevity and changing patterns in U.S. family life. Summarized under the categories of research and studies, professional preparation, services, and facilities and construction are mental retardation programs administered by the following organizational units of DHEW agencies: the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness, Center for Research in Child Health, and Bureau of State Services, and Bureau of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance of the Social Security Administration; the Office of Education; and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Discussed are tasks of the President's Panel such as exploration of ways to prevent and cure mental retardation. Panel members are listed. Also listed are 29 publications on mental retardation available from DHEW. (MC)