[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2143-S2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MENTAL RETARDATION AWARENESS MONTH

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to help increase the 
public's awareness of mental retardation as we focus on the needs and 
abilities of the nation's 7.2 million Americans with mental 
retardation. The Arc, the nation's largest organization of volunteer 
advocates for people with mental retardation, consists of more than 
1,000 local and state chapters. For 21 years, the Arc has sponsored the 
recognition of March as National Mental Retardation Awareness Month.
  The Arc began in 1950 as a small army of friends and parents in 
Minneapolis, Minnesota came together to create the National Association 
of Parents and Friends of Mentally Retarded Children. From this spark 
in 1950, Arc members have become advocates not only for their own 
children, but all children and other Americans denied

[[Page S2144]]

services and opportunities because of mental retardation.
  According to Arc, a person with mental retardation is one who, from 
childhood, develops intellectually at a below-average rate and 
experiences difficulty in learning, social adjustment and economic 
productivity. Otherwise, he or she is just like anyone else--with the 
same feelings, interests, goals, needs and desire for acceptance. This 
intellectual delay requires not only personal support, but 
environmental support for them to live independently.
  There are more than 250 causes of mental retardation. Among the most 
recognized are chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, and 
prenatal influences, such as smoking or alcohol use by a pregnant 
mother, which may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome or other 
complications. Malnutrition, lead poisoning and other environmental 
problems can also lead to mental retardation in children.
  Experts estimate that 50% of mental retardation can be prevented if 
current knowledge is applied to safeguarding the health of babies and 
toddlers. Some of the keys are abstinence from alcohol use during 
pregnancy, obtaining good prenatal care, education programs for 
pregnant women, and the use of child seats and safety belts for 
children.
  The theme for this year's observance is the elimination of waiting 
lists for community-based services. In a study conducted by the Arc, 
more than 218,000 people were identified as waiting for placement in a 
community-based residential facility, a job training program, a 
competitive employment situation or other support.
  In Minnesota, over 6,600 members in fifty chapters make up the Arc 
network, each working to both prevent the causes of mental retardation 
and lessen its effects. With the guidance of the Arc, it is these local 
and state chapters working at the grassroots levels which have made and 
continue to make the greatest impact for Americans with mental 
retardation.
  Mr. President, I truly appreciate the unabated commitment to the 
needs and abilities of people with mental retardation the Arc has 
demonstrated over the years and am honored to help further public 
awareness.

                          ____________________