screenings can prevent phenylketonuria (PKU), con-
genital hypothyroidism, Rh disease, and other abnor-
malities. PKU occurs in approximately 1 of every
14,000 births in the United States. PKU is a genetic
disorder that causes difficulty for the body in break-
ing down the common food chemical, phyenylala-
nine. When phyenylalanine, an amino acid, builds up
it can cause serious health and learning problems.
Other preventive measures used to prevent mental
retardation include reducing the presence of lead in
the environment, using helmets and child safety seats,
and educating people about the importance of using
safety equipment. In addition, ensuring proper pre-
natal care for all pregnant women and seeking genet-
ic counseling if there is history of birth defects will
help prevent MR.
Public Policy Regarding Mental
Retardation
Legislation passed in 1990 provided a clear path
for the elimination of discrimination against people
with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) protects persons with disabilities from discrim-
ination in employment, government, public accom-
modations, commercial facilities, transportation, and
telecommunications. The effectiveness of ADA lies
with the advocates of this legislation. Demanding the
compliance of every agency involved in the process is
the advocate’s responsibility. As each year passes,
there will likely be fewer barriers for persons with dis-
abilities.
Additional legislation includes IDEA (Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act). IDEA states that
every child, regardless of disability, will be provided
a ‘‘free appropriate public education’’ in the ‘‘least re-
strictive environment to the maximum extent appro-
priate.’’ Thus, children with disabilities are entitled to
an education at public expense, with the added stipu-
lation that the children be in the most contact possi-
ble with their nondisabled peers. This legislation was
built on the existing public law 94-142 (PL 94-142),
which ensures a child with a disability an individual-
ized education plan (IEP). An IEP includes services
the child requires, such as speech therapy and occu-
pational therapy, as well as the child’s goals and
benchmarks to meet the goals.
PL 94-142 services begin from the child’s third
birthday. Before that, public law 99-457 (PL 99-457)
serves children from birth through age two. Under
these laws, states receive grants to provide services to
children with disabilities. PL 99-457 requires an indi-
vidualized family service plan (IFSP), which is similar
to an IEP, except that instead of being child centered,
it is family centered. Families with children who are
disabled often require extra support and training. In-
cluded in the IFSP are teaching strategies for the par-
ents as well as educating the siblings in how to interact
with and understand their sibling with a disability.The Future of Accommodating Mental
Retardation
Before these laws were passed, children with dis-
abilities had a very difficult time gaining an educa-
tion. Society underestimated their learning
capabilities. The few chances children with disabilities
were given to learn were unsuccessful because of the
lack of an appropriate teaching method.
Today, there is the opportunity to start early in-
tervention from birth. There is greater understand-
ing about mental retardation and how it affects brain
development, which in turn enables society to make
the necessary accommodations for both children and
adults with disabilities. Early intervention provides a
stronger foundation for the child to learn and devel-
op skills later in life.
Agencies throughout the United States and in
other countries provide continuous services to fami-
lies who qualify. The Association for Retarded Citi-
zens, which was started in the 1950s, is one such
organization. These services provide employment op-
portunities, socialization opportunities, and daily liv-
ing assistance to adults with disabilities. The ultimate
goal of these agencies is to teach the adult how to
function as a part of society and with the most inde-
pendence possible.Conclusions
Since the 1960s, when President John F. Kennedy
spoke of his public support of people with mental re-
tardation, the field of knowledge has expanded. This
is due at least in part to people with MR presenting
their acquired skills in the areas of education, em-
ployment, and athletics. These people have shown
that, when provided with the right opportunities, they
will rise to the occasion and take advantage of their
opportunities.
Society has advanced from institutionalization of
persons with MR to independent living in some cases.
The expansion of education from segregation to in-
clusion has benefited many students with MR, as well
as their typically developing peers. As technology
continues to move forward, more advances will take
place within the realm of MR. The more skills learned
by people with MR, the more opportunities they will
be given. In accordance with the law, and a better un-
derstanding of MR, prospects for the future of people
with MR look very bright.
See also: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIESMENTAL RETARDATION 267