BOB DOLE 
KANSAS 
141 SENATE HART BUILDING 
(202) 224-6521 

COMMITTEES:
AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
FINANCE
RULES

United States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1601 
June 26, 1991 


Dear Colleague: 

	On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed landmark legislation guaranteeing the inclusion of people with disabilities into the mainstream of American society. This law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is intended to prevent discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Many have called the day of signing the first true Independence Day for Americans with disabilities. 

	Prior to the ADA's enactment, few people with disabilities, particularly those with mental retardation, have had the opportunity to speak for themselves. During the last 25 years, citizens with mental retardation have shattered this myth. Not only have they spoken for themselves, but they have become their own strong vocal advocates. They are helping Americans understand that their needs are just as important as any other group of citizens. 

	Since the establishment of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation in 1966, the Committee has been instrumental and effective in advising the President about the social, physical, medical, and bio-medical needs of persons with mental retardation. To heighten public awareness, the Committee has 
worked diligently to foster an understanding that many forms of mental retardation are preventable. Furthermore, it has created job training, career, and housing opportunities to assist those with mental retardation achieve full citizenship. 

	Despite all of its accomplishments, the work of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation is not yet finished. More can be done to educate the general public about the prevention of mental retardation and to assist the mentally retarded in taking their rightful place in our society. 

	Please join me in designating the year 1991 as the 25th Anniversary Year of the Formation of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. If you are interested in cosponsoring this commemorative resolution, please contact Rachel Exelbert at 4­8956 or Mo West at 4-8959. 

Sincerely, 

BOB DOLE
United States Senate 


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