Keeping the Charge Personal and Economic Freedom for People with Intellectual Disabilities: An Exploration of Asset Development for People with Intellectual Disabilities

摘要

It is estimated that some six million Americans of all ages, or three percent of the general population of the United States have an intellectual disability (mental retardation). Nearly 30 million, or one in ten families, are directly affected by a person with intellectual disabilities at some point in their lifetime. Intellectual disabilities present a major challenge to social, educational, health and economic systems in the United States. The Presidents Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities was first established in 1966 by Executive Order to focus on this critical subject of national concern. The Committees primary function is to provide advice and assistance to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a broad range of matters relating to programs, services, supports, and policies that impact the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. In February, 2001 President George W. Bush declared his commitment to tearing down the barriers to equality that challenge millions of Americans with disabilities when he announced his New Freedom Initiative, established to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities by increasing access to assistive technologies, expanding educational opportunities, increasing the ability of people with disabilities to integrate into the workforce, and promoting increased access into daily community life.