When you look at the advances in the field of mental retardation over
the past 30 years, it is hard to imagine that more change is inevitable.
Yet, I think back to the time when, early in his presidency, President
Kennedy called together the brightest scientists, researchers, doctors,
and educators to develop a comprehensive plan for the nation to
effectively care for, treat, educate, and house persons with mental
retardation. In the early 1960s the call for new research into the
causes and the amelioration of mental retardation, the development of
community-based programs, and the development of family care for
appropriate education, vocational training, and jobs were seen as
revolutionary. But, in the 30 years since then, we have seen time and
time again that it is persons with mental retardation themselves who
have led the way. When the schools were opened to them, they learned
more than any- one ever thought possible; when vocational training was
provided, they learned skills that led to jobs; when employment became
available, they proved to be good steady workers who earned money and
paid taxes. When the playing fields were made available to them through
programs such as Special Olympics, they showed the world they could
train and compete and WIN in the sports of the Olympics. When
communities welcomed them, they became our neighbors. They have earned
the right to play on any field, to study in any school, to hold a paying
job, and to be anyone's neighbor.