Holding Truths to be Self-evident: Affirming the Value of People with Intellectual Disabilities. Report to the President

摘要

Although there is no national census of the incidence and prevalence of intellectual disabilities, authorities in the field estimate that the number may be as high as 2 percent of the population, six million individuals. One in 10 families in the United States is directly affected by a person with intellectual disabilities. In order to ensure the right of a decent, dignified place in society for people with mental retardation (intellectual disabilities), President Lyndon B. Johnson established, in 1966, the Committee on Mental Retardation (PCMR), now the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID), to focus on this critical subject of national concern. Since that time, the President's Committee has served in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a broad range of matters relating to persons with intellectual disabilities and the field of intellectual disabilities. Since its inception, the President's Committee has led the charge to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, most recently embracing the vision and supporting the plan that is at the heart of President George W. Bushs New Freedom Initiative (NFI) to tear down barriers that prevent people with intellectual disabilities from enjoying a quality of life that promotes independence, self-determination, and full participation as productive members of society. The NFI includes, but is not limited to: increasing access through assistive and universally designed technology; expanding educational opportunities for youth with disabilities; and promoting full and lifelong access to all aspects of community life.