Remarks of the Honorable Bob Dole to the "National Association for Retarded Children" - Denver, Colorado, 13 October 1971
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- File Name (Dublin Core)
- c019_011_012_001
- Title (Dublin Core)
- Remarks of the Honorable Bob Dole to the "National Association for Retarded Children" - Denver, Colorado, 13 October 1971
- Description (Dublin Core)
- Remarks of Senator Dole before the "National Association for Retarded Children." He discusses barriers those with mental disabilities fact as well as their potential and capabilities. He also discusses programs and efforts by the government to aid those with disabilities.
- Date (Dublin Core)
- 1971-10-13
- Date Created (Dublin Core)
- 1971-10-13
- Congress (Dublin Core)
- 92nd (1971-1973)
- Topics (Dublin Core)
- See all items with this valueChildren with disabilities
- See all items with this valuePeople with disabilities
- See all items with this valueRehabilitation
- Policy Area (Curation)
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Creator (Dublin Core)
- Dole, Robert J., 1923-2021
- Record Type (Dublin Core)
- speech (document)
- Names (Dublin Core)
- See all items with this valueDole, Robert J., 1923-2021
- See all items with this valueNixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994
- Location representation (Dublin Core)
- Denver (inhabited place)
- Colorado (state)
- Nebraska (state)
- South Dakota (state)
- Rights (Dublin Core)
- http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/
- Language (Dublin Core)
- eng
- Collection Finding Aid (Dublin Core)
- https://dolearchivecollections.ku.edu/index.php?p=collections/findingaid&id=52&q=
- Physical Location (Dublin Core)
- Collection 019, Box 11, Folder 12
- Institution (Dublin Core)
- Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
- Archival Collection (Dublin Core)
- Robert J. Dole Speeches Collection, 1958-1996
- Full Text (Extract Text)
-
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Hard of hearing(?) (unintelligible)
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REMARKS OF HONORABLE BOB DOLE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN
DENVER, COLORADO
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1971
IT IS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO BE HERE IN DENVER FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN. THE TWO THOUSAND PARTICIPANTS GATHERED HERE THIS EVENING FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY SYMBOLIZE THE KIND OF CONCERN, SERVICE AND COMPASSION FOR WHICH YOUR ORGANIZATION STANDS. BUT I REALIZE YOU ARE NOT HERE JUST TO BE CONGRADULATED FOR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS. THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK LEFT TO BE DONE, AND I KNOW THAT YOUR MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT WORK WHICH WE MUST ACHIEVE TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.
NARC RECORD OUTSTANDING
YOUR OUTSANDING RECORD OFFERS A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR OUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS AND SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION AND A HOPE FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM HANDICAPS OF ALL TYPES. I AM ESPECIALLY AWARE OF THIS BECAUSE 26 YEARS AGO, I BECAME A MEMBER OF THAT OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD, FREQUENTLY UNDERESTIMATED,
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AND WHOLLY UNVOLUNTARY MINORITY GROUP: THE HANDICAPPED. SO I HAVE HAD 26 YEARS TO LEARN WHAT IT MEANS; THE CHALLENGE, THE DISCOURAGEMENTS, THE EXHILARATION OF SUCCESS, AND -- PERHAPS MOST OF ALL -- THE GIFT OF KINDNESS AND DEDICATION THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU CAN GIVE TO THE HANDICAPPED
MEMBERSHIP IN THIS MINORITY HAS MEANT MANY THINGS TO ME. HOWEVER, ONE POINT OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE HAS BEEN AN APPRECIATION OF THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL FOR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SOCIETY WHICH THE HANDICAPPED POSSESSS. ALONG WITH THIS GREAT POTENTIAL, THERE IS ALSO A GREAT NEED -- A NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING -- OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE HANDICAPPED FACE -- OF THE ASSISTANCE THEY REQUIRE TO FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL -- OF THE PRIORITIES FOR THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ATTAIN THIS GOAL -- AND, THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING THAT HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE FIRST AND HANDICAPPED SECOND.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IS STAGGERING IN ITSELF. RIGHT HERE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO, THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES THAT 12 PERCENT OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN ARE HANDICAPPED. LAST YEAR'S FUNDS FOR EDUCATION OF THESE HANDCAPPED TOTALED $1,929,503.
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EXTENSIVE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL RETARDATION, FEDERAL ASSISTANCE HAS EVOLVED OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS SET IN MOTION THE ALLOCATION OF FEDERAL RESOURCES TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCALITIES IN DEVELOPING COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
PRESIDENT NIXON SIGNED THE LABOR, HEALTH AND WELFARE APPROPRIATOINS FOR FISCAL 1972 INTO LAW ON AUGUST 10. THE APPROPRIATIONS MEASURE IS SECOND LARGEST IN THE BUDGET, EXCEEDED ONLY BY DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ACT WERE MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE INITIAL REQUEST OF $11 MILLION. THE FINAL TOTAL ON FUNDS FOR DDA IS $25.965 MILLION. OF THIS AMOUNT, $21.715 MILLION IS FOR FORMULA GRANTS TO STATES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES UNDER TITLE I OF THE ACT. CORE SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED FACILITIES, UNDER TITLE II, WAS RAISED TO $4.25 MILLION.
FEDERAL ACTIVITY COVERS SUCH AREAS AS:
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PREVENTATIVE SERVICES: MATERNITY AND INFANT CARE PROJECTS PROVIDING NECESSARY HEALTH CARE TO PROSPECTIVE MOTHERS IN HIGH RISK POPULATIONS.
BASIC AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: THESE INCREASE THE EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE RETARDED; ESTABLISH STAFF AND ENLARGE MENTAL RETARDATION COMMUNITY FACILITIES; EVALUATE CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONS; AND PROVIDE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES AND HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS.
PERSONNEL TRAINING IS ANOTHER KEY AREA WHERE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION BY AIDING IN THE TURNING OUT OF RETARDED, BIOLOGICAL, AND MEDICAL BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH PERSONNEL, AND SOCIAL REHABILITATION PERSONNEL, AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING OF INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL.
FEDERAL-BACKED RESEARCH INTO THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION, IN EFFECTIVE METHODOLOGIES, AND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD, AS ARE CONSTRUCTION OF UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND INCOME MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS DEPENDANT ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
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HEW DECLARES PRIORITY
IN FACT, HEW SECRETARY RICHARDSON AND COMMISSIONER MARLAND HAVE SINGLED OUT SERVICES TO THE HANDICAPPED AS ONE OF THEIR AGENCIES' NATIONAL PRIORITIES. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE EFFORTS OF ORGANIZATIONS LIKE YOURS, AND THE COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THEIRS, CAN ADVANCE RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND OTHER DISABILITIES TO THE POINT WHERE CONTRIBUTION FACTORS -- SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND PHYSICAL -- CAN BE ISOLATED, TREATED AND REMEDIED. IN OTHER WORDS, OUR COMMON GOAL IS THE DAY WHEN BOTH YOUR ROLE AND THAT OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PRIMARILY A PREVENTATIVE ONE RATHER THAN ONE WHICH MUST COPE WITH THE UNFORTUNATE RESULTS.
IN THE MEANTIME, HOWEVER, THOUSANDS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN COME OF AGE EACH YEAR. IF THEIR PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED EARLY ENOUGH, AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT INITIATED, THEY NEED NOT BECOME DISABLED ADULTS. BUT WE KNOW THAT THIS CANNOT BE TRUE IN ALL CASES, AND THAT THE DISABLED ADULT WILL NEED SPECIALIZED SERVICES IF HE IS TO MAXIMIZE HIS OPPORTUNITIES FOR A FULL, PRODUCTIVE, INDEPENDENT LIFE.
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NEEDS OF ADULT HANDICAPPED
IT WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THIS RATHER OBVIOUS HUMAN NEED THAT IN THE 1967 REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFAR, RESULTING IN THE SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICE, THE PRIME UNIT WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR RETARDED CHILDREN WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE TO THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.
AGAIN, IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNFULFILLED NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS, THE CONGRESS PASSED IN 1970 THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICE AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION ACT TO REPLACE FORMER LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THIS NEW, BROADENED AUTHORITY, WHICH BRINGS IN THE CEREBRAL PALSIED, THE EPILEPTIC, AND OTHERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO THE MENTALLY RETARDED, IS ALSO ADMINISTERED BY THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. IT EMPHASIZES THE INTEREST AND ACTIVE EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
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ROLE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
THE PLACING OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAM FOR ALL THE DISABLED POINTS THE DIRECTION TO AN EMERGING OVERALL ROLE OF THE REHABILITATION AGENCY AS A KIND OF OMBUDSMAN FOR ALL THE PROGRAMS OF ALL THE DISABLED OF WHATEVER AGE.
IN A SENSE, THEN, WHAT IS BEING ACHIEVED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM FOR THE RETARDED IS A PILOT EFFORT FOR ON-GOING DEVELOPMENTS WHICH, WITH SUCCESS, WE WILL BE SEEING MORE OF ON AN EXPANDED BASIS.
YOUR FOCUS, I REALIZE, IS ON THE RETARDED CHILD. BUT FOR THE CHILD GROWN UP, YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT THE STATE-FEDERAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM PLACED 30,356 MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS INTO GAINFUL WORK DURING FISCAL 1970, OR SOME 3,400 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
NEW YOUTH SERVICE ROLE
THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING IN THE SPECIFIC FIELD OF AID TO THE HANDICAPPED -- PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM SOME FORM OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY. FOR THE BALANCE OF MY TALK, I
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WOULD LIKE TO TALK A DIFFERENT KIND OF HANDICAP AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO REMEDY IT. IT IS NOT THE KIND OF HANDICAP THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH, YET IT INVOLVES GIVING YOUNG AMERICANS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS AND INCREASE THEIR CAPABILITIES IN A WAY THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DENIED THEM. I THINK IT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL WANT TO KNOW ABOUT, AND WILL BE HEARING A LOT MORE ABOUT IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD. IT IS PART OF THE NIXON ADMINISTRATION'S NEW ACTION PROGRAM DIRECTED BY JOSEPH H. BLATCHFORD, WHOM YOU MAY BE MORE FAMILIAR WITH IN HIS ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF THE PEACE CORPS. IN FACT, THIS NEW PROGRAM INCORPORATES MANY OF THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF THE PEACE CORPS, APPLYING THEM TO STUDENTS RIGHT HERE AT HOME.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
"UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" IS THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST -- AND POTENTIALLY BROADEST -- RESPONSE TO THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOW READY AND EAGER TO MAKE THEIR LIVES COUNT FOR SOMETHING.
THIS FALL, APPROXIMATELY 500 STUDENTS FROM 11 UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES WILL ENROLL IN SCHOOL AND THEN, WITHOUT REPORTING FOR CLASSES,
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SET TO WORK ON THE PROBLEMS OF POVERTY IN NEARBY COMMUNITIES -- PROBLEMS THAT MORE AND MORE EXPERTS ARE COMING TO REALIZE ARE VITALLY CONNECTED WITH THE HEAVY INCIDENCE OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND MANY OTHER HANDICAPS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN FUTURE YEARS IS UP TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTIES AND ADMINISTRATORS OF OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE POTENTIAL NUMBER IS ENORMOUS AND THAT PARTICIPATION WILL DO IMMEASURABLE GOOD NOT ONLY FOR THE POVERTY COMMUNITIES SERVICED, BUT FOR THE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.
FOR, BY JOINING "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION," UNIVERSITIES CAN LOOSEN THEIR GRIP ON THEIR STUDENTS, TEAR DOWN THE WALLS THAT KEEP THE STUDENTS IN AND THE GREATER WORLD OUT, AND BREAK THE ISOLATION WHICH HAS SEPARATED SO MANY CAMPUSES FROM THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN RECENT YEARS.
VOLUNTEER HEALTH SERVICES
"UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" WILL ENABLE MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA TO DELIVER HEALTH SERVICES TO MIGRANT LABORERS; BUSINESS MAJORS FROM PEPPERDINE COLLEGE TO HELP BLACK OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESSES SUCCEED IN WATTS; AND EDUCATION STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY
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OF COLORADO TO HELP INDIANS IN SOUTH DAKOTA DEVELOP THEIR OWN UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
AND WHILE DOING THIS, STUDENTS WILL NOT BE DELAYING THEIR OWN CAREERS, BUT WILL BE ENRICHING THEM WITH PRATICAL EXPERIENCE. FULL ACADEMIC CREDIT UP TO 30 HOURS WILL BE AWARDED FOR A FULL YEAR'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
LIVING COSTS COVERED
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE A MODEST SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE, VARYING WITH COMMUNITY LIVING COSTS. THE AVERAGE MONTHLY ALLOWANCE WILL BE $185. THE VOLUNTEERS ALSO RECEIVE PAID MEDICAL INSURANCE.
BUT FOR MANY STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY MARRIED STUDENTS WITH FAMILIES OR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NO FINANCIAL RESOURCES, PARTICIPATION WILL MEAN A PERSONAL FINANCIAL SACRIFICE. VOLUNTEERS WILL WORK FULL TIME AND ARE PROHIBITED FROM SECURING PART-TIME OR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT.
TO MITIGATE THE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR STUDENTS WHO OTHERWISE WOULD RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP AID OR WHO RELY ON PART TIME AND SUMMER EMLOYMENT TO FINANCE THEIR EDUCATION, ACTION WILL SET ASIDE $50 A MONTH IN ESCROW TO BE PAID TO THESE VOLUNTEERS ON COMPLETION OF 12 MONTHS' SERVICE IN THE PROGRAM
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ALL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE
ANY STUDENT, UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE, ENROLLED IN A PARTICPATING UNIVERSITY IS ELIGILE FOR THE PROGRAM. THE UNIVERSITY ITSELF WILL SEEK OUT WORK ASSIGNMENTS IN POVERTY AREAS, LOOKING TO THE PROPERTY ORGANIZATIONS AND LOW-INCOME PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO DEFINE THE AREAS WHERE ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.
"UNIVERSITY FOR ACTION" IS A PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF A PLEDGE PRESIDENT NIXON MADE IN JANURARY TO STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA. HE CALLED FOR AN ALLIANCE OF GENERATIONS -- OR RICH AND POOR, BLACK AND WHITE, YOUNG AND OLD -- WHICH WOULD BLEND THE EXPERIENCE OF ONE WITH THE COMMITMENT OF THE OTHER.
ALLIANCE OF GENERATIONS
"UNIVERSITY FOR ACTIONS" IS A MAJOR ATTEMPT TO FORGE THAT ALLIANCE. BUT BEYOND "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" ARE OTHER INITIATIVES WHICH MUST BE CONSIDERED IF WE ARE TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE EQUIPTMENT TO MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.
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WE MUST START NOW TO EXPAND THE CAPABILITY OF OUR SCHOOLS TO TRAIN YOUNG PEOPLE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE SEPARATE FROM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREERS. WITH THE ADVENT OF THE FOUR-DAY WEEK, THE EXTENDED VACATION AND THE SECURE RETIREMENT, CITIZENS ARE IN A POSITION TO SEEK WAYS TO PUT THEIR NEW-FOUND LEISURE TIME TO BETTER USE.
CHALLENGE OF LEISURE
AS THE TIME ALLOTTED FOR LEISURE GROWS LONGER, MANY AMERICANS WILL DESIRE TO FILL THOSE HOURS WITH MEANINGFUL SERVICE. IF OUR SCHOOLS HAVE PREPARED THEM FOR A SECOND CAREER IN SERVICE, OUR NATION'S UNTAPPED TALENT WILL BE UNLEASHED AS NEVER BEFORE -- AND WITH UNTOLD HUMANITARIAN BENEFITS TO THE HANDICAPPED AS WELL AS OTHER DISADVANTAGED GROUPS.
OUR SOCIETY NEEDS MEN AND WOMEN TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH DELIVERY SERVICES, TO WORK IN PAROLE AND PROBATION WORK, TO BUILD PARKS, MONITER AIR AND WATER, PLANT TREES -- EVEN TO GET THE TRASH OFF THE STREETS.
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BECAUSE MANY OF THESE PROBLEM AREAS REQUIRE SPECIALIZED TRAINING, OUR SCHOOLS MUST TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN STRUCTURING CLASSWORK TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR PART-TIME SERVICES AFTER GRADUATION. AND INEVITABLY, THIS MUST BEGIN WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, FOR THEY ARE IN OUR COLLEGES AND HIGH SCHOOLS NOW.
BRIDGING THE GAP
AS MUCH BEEN MADE OF THE "GENERATION GAP" WHICH SUPPOSEDLY EXISTS BETWEEN THOSE UNDER AND THOSE OVER AGE 30. PESSIMISTS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE THAT THIS GAP IS UNBRIDGEABLE, A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVISIVE FACTORS WHICH REND OUR SOCIETY TODAY.
BUT THE YOUNG OF ANY GENERATION HAVE ALWAYS SOUGHT TO IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST NOBLE ASPIRATIONS OF THEIR SOCIETY. WHAT YOUTH TODAY IS QUESTIONING IS THE CREDIBILITY OF VALUES WHICH LEAD TO THE POLLUTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND TRAPPING OF OUR POOR IN GHETTOS, AND THE PERPETUATION OF THE CYCLE OF POVERTY.
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THE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS ARE BEING SOUGHT IN WASHINGTON, ON CAMPUSES AND IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES ALL OVER AMERICA. BUT MORE MUST BE DONE TO INVOLVE THE YOUNG IN THESE SOLUTIONS. "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN ENCOURAGING THAT INVOLVEMENT.
I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT CAN ALSO HAVE A REAL EFFECT IN HELPING RETARDED CHILDREN -- SECONDARY, PERHAPS, BUT A FAVORABLE ONE.
AND I AM CONVINCED THAT IT IS THE KIND OF CONCEPT, IN THE BROADER SENSE, THAT IS NEEDED IN ALL OF OUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL FIELDS. AS PRESIDENT NIXON ONCE REMARKED, BEFORE ANY SOCIETY CAN BECOME A TRULY GREAT SOCIETY, IT MUST BE A TRULY GREAT SOCIETY.
THE WORK OF ACTION VOLUNTEERS AND THE SERVICES OF MEN AND WOMEN LIKE YOURSELVES HAS MADE AMERICA A GOOD SOCIETY, AND CONTINUES TO MAKE US A BETTER ONE. YOU HAVE MY PLEDGE OF SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN CARRYING ON YOUR VITAL WORK. THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WHO BELONG TO THE HANDICAPPED MINORITY ARE THE IMMEDIATE BENEFICIARIES OF YOUR WORK -- BUT IN THE LONG TERM, IT IS THE ENTIRE NATION THAT BENEFITS. -
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Hard of hearing(?) (unintelligible)
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REMARKS OF HONORABLE BOB DOLE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN
DENVER, COLORADO
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1971
IT IS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO BE HERE IN DENVER FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN. THE TWO THOUSAND PARTICIPANTS GATHERED HERE THIS EVENING FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY SYMBOLIZE THE KIND OF CONCERN, SERVICE AND COMPASSION FOR WHICH YOUR ORGANIZATION STANDS. BUT I REALIZE YOU ARE NOT HERE JUST TO BE CONGRADULATED FOR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS. THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK LEFT TO BE DONE, AND I KNOW THAT YOUR MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT WORK WHICH WE MUST ACHIEVE TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.
NARC RECORD OUTSTANDING
YOUR OUTSANDING RECORD OFFERS A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR OUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS AND SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION AND A HOPE FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM HANDICAPS OF ALL TYPES. I AM ESPECIALLY AWARE OF THIS BECAUSE 26 YEARS AGO, I BECAME A MEMBER OF THAT OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD, FREQUENTLY UNDERESTIMATED,
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AND WHOLLY UNVOLUNTARY MINORITY GROUP: THE HANDICAPPED. SO I HAVE HAD 26 YEARS TO LEARN WHAT IT MEANS; THE CHALLENGE, THE DISCOURAGEMENTS, THE EXHILARATION OF SUCCESS, AND -- PERHAPS MOST OF ALL -- THE GIFT OF KINDNESS AND DEDICATION THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU CAN GIVE TO THE HANDICAPPED
MEMBERSHIP IN THIS MINORITY HAS MEANT MANY THINGS TO ME. HOWEVER, ONE POINT OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE HAS BEEN AN APPRECIATION OF THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL FOR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SOCIETY WHICH THE HANDICAPPED POSSESSS. ALONG WITH THIS GREAT POTENTIAL, THERE IS ALSO A GREAT NEED -- A NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING -- OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE HANDICAPPED FACE -- OF THE ASSISTANCE THEY REQUIRE TO FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL -- OF THE PRIORITIES FOR THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ATTAIN THIS GOAL -- AND, THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING THAT HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE FIRST AND HANDICAPPED SECOND.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IS STAGGERING IN ITSELF. RIGHT HERE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO, THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES THAT 12 PERCENT OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN ARE HANDICAPPED. LAST YEAR'S FUNDS FOR EDUCATION OF THESE HANDCAPPED TOTALED $1,929,503.
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EXTENSIVE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL RETARDATION, FEDERAL ASSISTANCE HAS EVOLVED OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS SET IN MOTION THE ALLOCATION OF FEDERAL RESOURCES TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCALITIES IN DEVELOPING COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
PRESIDENT NIXON SIGNED THE LABOR, HEALTH AND WELFARE APPROPRIATOINS FOR FISCAL 1972 INTO LAW ON AUGUST 10. THE APPROPRIATIONS MEASURE IS SECOND LARGEST IN THE BUDGET, EXCEEDED ONLY BY DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ACT WERE MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE INITIAL REQUEST OF $11 MILLION. THE FINAL TOTAL ON FUNDS FOR DDA IS $25.965 MILLION. OF THIS AMOUNT, $21.715 MILLION IS FOR FORMULA GRANTS TO STATES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES UNDER TITLE I OF THE ACT. CORE SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED FACILITIES, UNDER TITLE II, WAS RAISED TO $4.25 MILLION.
FEDERAL ACTIVITY COVERS SUCH AREAS AS:
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PREVENTATIVE SERVICES: MATERNITY AND INFANT CARE PROJECTS PROVIDING NECESSARY HEALTH CARE TO PROSPECTIVE MOTHERS IN HIGH RISK POPULATIONS.
BASIC AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: THESE INCREASE THE EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE RETARDED; ESTABLISH STAFF AND ENLARGE MENTAL RETARDATION COMMUNITY FACILITIES; EVALUATE CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONS; AND PROVIDE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES AND HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS.
PERSONNEL TRAINING IS ANOTHER KEY AREA WHERE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION BY AIDING IN THE TURNING OUT OF RETARDED, BIOLOGICAL, AND MEDICAL BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH PERSONNEL, AND SOCIAL REHABILITATION PERSONNEL, AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING OF INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL.
FEDERAL-BACKED RESEARCH INTO THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION, IN EFFECTIVE METHODOLOGIES, AND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD, AS ARE CONSTRUCTION OF UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND INCOME MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS DEPENDANT ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
(page 5)
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HEW DECLARES PRIORITY
IN FACT, HEW SECRETARY RICHARDSON AND COMMISSIONER MARLAND HAVE SINGLED OUT SERVICES TO THE HANDICAPPED AS ONE OF THEIR AGENCIES' NATIONAL PRIORITIES. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE EFFORTS OF ORGANIZATIONS LIKE YOURS, AND THE COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THEIRS, CAN ADVANCE RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND OTHER DISABILITIES TO THE POINT WHERE CONTRIBUTION FACTORS -- SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND PHYSICAL -- CAN BE ISOLATED, TREATED AND REMEDIED. IN OTHER WORDS, OUR COMMON GOAL IS THE DAY WHEN BOTH YOUR ROLE AND THAT OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PRIMARILY A PREVENTATIVE ONE RATHER THAN ONE WHICH MUST COPE WITH THE UNFORTUNATE RESULTS.
IN THE MEANTIME, HOWEVER, THOUSANDS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN COME OF AGE EACH YEAR. IF THEIR PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED EARLY ENOUGH, AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT INITIATED, THEY NEED NOT BECOME DISABLED ADULTS. BUT WE KNOW THAT THIS CANNOT BE TRUE IN ALL CASES, AND THAT THE DISABLED ADULT WILL NEED SPECIALIZED SERVICES IF HE IS TO MAXIMIZE HIS OPPORTUNITIES FOR A FULL, PRODUCTIVE, INDEPENDENT LIFE.
(page 6)
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NEEDS OF ADULT HANDICAPPED
IT WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THIS RATHER OBVIOUS HUMAN NEED THAT IN THE 1967 REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFAR, RESULTING IN THE SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICE, THE PRIME UNIT WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR RETARDED CHILDREN WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE TO THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.
AGAIN, IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNFULFILLED NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS, THE CONGRESS PASSED IN 1970 THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICE AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION ACT TO REPLACE FORMER LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THIS NEW, BROADENED AUTHORITY, WHICH BRINGS IN THE CEREBRAL PALSIED, THE EPILEPTIC, AND OTHERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO THE MENTALLY RETARDED, IS ALSO ADMINISTERED BY THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. IT EMPHASIZES THE INTEREST AND ACTIVE EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
(page 7)
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ROLE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
THE PLACING OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAM FOR ALL THE DISABLED POINTS THE DIRECTION TO AN EMERGING OVERALL ROLE OF THE REHABILITATION AGENCY AS A KIND OF OMBUDSMAN FOR ALL THE PROGRAMS OF ALL THE DISABLED OF WHATEVER AGE.
IN A SENSE, THEN, WHAT IS BEING ACHIEVED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM FOR THE RETARDED IS A PILOT EFFORT FOR ON-GOING DEVELOPMENTS WHICH, WITH SUCCESS, WE WILL BE SEEING MORE OF ON AN EXPANDED BASIS.
YOUR FOCUS, I REALIZE, IS ON THE RETARDED CHILD. BUT FOR THE CHILD GROWN UP, YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT THE STATE-FEDERAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM PLACED 30,356 MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS INTO GAINFUL WORK DURING FISCAL 1970, OR SOME 3,400 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
NEW YOUTH SERVICE ROLE
THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING IN THE SPECIFIC FIELD OF AID TO THE HANDICAPPED -- PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM SOME FORM OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY. FOR THE BALANCE OF MY TALK, I
(page 8)
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WOULD LIKE TO TALK A DIFFERENT KIND OF HANDICAP AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO REMEDY IT. IT IS NOT THE KIND OF HANDICAP THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH, YET IT INVOLVES GIVING YOUNG AMERICANS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS AND INCREASE THEIR CAPABILITIES IN A WAY THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DENIED THEM. I THINK IT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL WANT TO KNOW ABOUT, AND WILL BE HEARING A LOT MORE ABOUT IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD. IT IS PART OF THE NIXON ADMINISTRATION'S NEW ACTION PROGRAM DIRECTED BY JOSEPH H. BLATCHFORD, WHOM YOU MAY BE MORE FAMILIAR WITH IN HIS ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF THE PEACE CORPS. IN FACT, THIS NEW PROGRAM INCORPORATES MANY OF THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF THE PEACE CORPS, APPLYING THEM TO STUDENTS RIGHT HERE AT HOME.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
"UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" IS THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST -- AND POTENTIALLY BROADEST -- RESPONSE TO THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOW READY AND EAGER TO MAKE THEIR LIVES COUNT FOR SOMETHING.
THIS FALL, APPROXIMATELY 500 STUDENTS FROM 11 UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES WILL ENROLL IN SCHOOL AND THEN, WITHOUT REPORTING FOR CLASSES,
(page 9)
-9-
SET TO WORK ON THE PROBLEMS OF POVERTY IN NEARBY COMMUNITIES -- PROBLEMS THAT MORE AND MORE EXPERTS ARE COMING TO REALIZE ARE VITALLY CONNECTED WITH THE HEAVY INCIDENCE OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND MANY OTHER HANDICAPS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN FUTURE YEARS IS UP TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTIES AND ADMINISTRATORS OF OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE POTENTIAL NUMBER IS ENORMOUS AND THAT PARTICIPATION WILL DO IMMEASURABLE GOOD NOT ONLY FOR THE POVERTY COMMUNITIES SERVICED, BUT FOR THE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.
FOR, BY JOINING "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION," UNIVERSITIES CAN LOOSEN THEIR GRIP ON THEIR STUDENTS, TEAR DOWN THE WALLS THAT KEEP THE STUDENTS IN AND THE GREATER WORLD OUT, AND BREAK THE ISOLATION WHICH HAS SEPARATED SO MANY CAMPUSES FROM THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN RECENT YEARS.
VOLUNTEER HEALTH SERVICES
"UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" WILL ENABLE MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA TO DELIVER HEALTH SERVICES TO MIGRANT LABORERS; BUSINESS MAJORS FROM PEPPERDINE COLLEGE TO HELP BLACK OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESSES SUCCEED IN WATTS; AND EDUCATION STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY
(page 10)
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OF COLORADO TO HELP INDIANS IN SOUTH DAKOTA DEVELOP THEIR OWN UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
AND WHILE DOING THIS, STUDENTS WILL NOT BE DELAYING THEIR OWN CAREERS, BUT WILL BE ENRICHING THEM WITH PRATICAL EXPERIENCE. FULL ACADEMIC CREDIT UP TO 30 HOURS WILL BE AWARDED FOR A FULL YEAR'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
LIVING COSTS COVERED
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE A MODEST SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE, VARYING WITH COMMUNITY LIVING COSTS. THE AVERAGE MONTHLY ALLOWANCE WILL BE $185. THE VOLUNTEERS ALSO RECEIVE PAID MEDICAL INSURANCE.
BUT FOR MANY STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY MARRIED STUDENTS WITH FAMILIES OR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NO FINANCIAL RESOURCES, PARTICIPATION WILL MEAN A PERSONAL FINANCIAL SACRIFICE. VOLUNTEERS WILL WORK FULL TIME AND ARE PROHIBITED FROM SECURING PART-TIME OR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT.
TO MITIGATE THE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR STUDENTS WHO OTHERWISE WOULD RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP AID OR WHO RELY ON PART TIME AND SUMMER EMLOYMENT TO FINANCE THEIR EDUCATION, ACTION WILL SET ASIDE $50 A MONTH IN ESCROW TO BE PAID TO THESE VOLUNTEERS ON COMPLETION OF 12 MONTHS' SERVICE IN THE PROGRAM
(page 11)
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ALL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE
ANY STUDENT, UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE, ENROLLED IN A PARTICPATING UNIVERSITY IS ELIGILE FOR THE PROGRAM. THE UNIVERSITY ITSELF WILL SEEK OUT WORK ASSIGNMENTS IN POVERTY AREAS, LOOKING TO THE PROPERTY ORGANIZATIONS AND LOW-INCOME PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO DEFINE THE AREAS WHERE ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.
"UNIVERSITY FOR ACTION" IS A PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF A PLEDGE PRESIDENT NIXON MADE IN JANURARY TO STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA. HE CALLED FOR AN ALLIANCE OF GENERATIONS -- OR RICH AND POOR, BLACK AND WHITE, YOUNG AND OLD -- WHICH WOULD BLEND THE EXPERIENCE OF ONE WITH THE COMMITMENT OF THE OTHER.
ALLIANCE OF GENERATIONS
"UNIVERSITY FOR ACTIONS" IS A MAJOR ATTEMPT TO FORGE THAT ALLIANCE. BUT BEYOND "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" ARE OTHER INITIATIVES WHICH MUST BE CONSIDERED IF WE ARE TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE EQUIPTMENT TO MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.
(page 12)
-12-
WE MUST START NOW TO EXPAND THE CAPABILITY OF OUR SCHOOLS TO TRAIN YOUNG PEOPLE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE SEPARATE FROM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREERS. WITH THE ADVENT OF THE FOUR-DAY WEEK, THE EXTENDED VACATION AND THE SECURE RETIREMENT, CITIZENS ARE IN A POSITION TO SEEK WAYS TO PUT THEIR NEW-FOUND LEISURE TIME TO BETTER USE.
CHALLENGE OF LEISURE
AS THE TIME ALLOTTED FOR LEISURE GROWS LONGER, MANY AMERICANS WILL DESIRE TO FILL THOSE HOURS WITH MEANINGFUL SERVICE. IF OUR SCHOOLS HAVE PREPARED THEM FOR A SECOND CAREER IN SERVICE, OUR NATION'S UNTAPPED TALENT WILL BE UNLEASHED AS NEVER BEFORE -- AND WITH UNTOLD HUMANITARIAN BENEFITS TO THE HANDICAPPED AS WELL AS OTHER DISADVANTAGED GROUPS.
OUR SOCIETY NEEDS MEN AND WOMEN TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH DELIVERY SERVICES, TO WORK IN PAROLE AND PROBATION WORK, TO BUILD PARKS, MONITER AIR AND WATER, PLANT TREES -- EVEN TO GET THE TRASH OFF THE STREETS.
(page 13)
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BECAUSE MANY OF THESE PROBLEM AREAS REQUIRE SPECIALIZED TRAINING, OUR SCHOOLS MUST TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN STRUCTURING CLASSWORK TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR PART-TIME SERVICES AFTER GRADUATION. AND INEVITABLY, THIS MUST BEGIN WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, FOR THEY ARE IN OUR COLLEGES AND HIGH SCHOOLS NOW.
BRIDGING THE GAP
AS MUCH BEEN MADE OF THE "GENERATION GAP" WHICH SUPPOSEDLY EXISTS BETWEEN THOSE UNDER AND THOSE OVER AGE 30. PESSIMISTS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE THAT THIS GAP IS UNBRIDGEABLE, A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVISIVE FACTORS WHICH REND OUR SOCIETY TODAY.
BUT THE YOUNG OF ANY GENERATION HAVE ALWAYS SOUGHT TO IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST NOBLE ASPIRATIONS OF THEIR SOCIETY. WHAT YOUTH TODAY IS QUESTIONING IS THE CREDIBILITY OF VALUES WHICH LEAD TO THE POLLUTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND TRAPPING OF OUR POOR IN GHETTOS, AND THE PERPETUATION OF THE CYCLE OF POVERTY.
(page 14)
-14-
THE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS ARE BEING SOUGHT IN WASHINGTON, ON CAMPUSES AND IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES ALL OVER AMERICA. BUT MORE MUST BE DONE TO INVOLVE THE YOUNG IN THESE SOLUTIONS. "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN ENCOURAGING THAT INVOLVEMENT.
I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT CAN ALSO HAVE A REAL EFFECT IN HELPING RETARDED CHILDREN -- SECONDARY, PERHAPS, BUT A FAVORABLE ONE.
AND I AM CONVINCED THAT IT IS THE KIND OF CONCEPT, IN THE BROADER SENSE, THAT IS NEEDED IN ALL OF OUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL FIELDS. AS PRESIDENT NIXON ONCE REMARKED, BEFORE ANY SOCIETY CAN BECOME A TRULY GREAT SOCIETY, IT MUST BE A TRULY GREAT SOCIETY.
THE WORK OF ACTION VOLUNTEERS AND THE SERVICES OF MEN AND WOMEN LIKE YOURSELVES HAS MADE AMERICA A GOOD SOCIETY, AND CONTINUES TO MAKE US A BETTER ONE. YOU HAVE MY PLEDGE OF SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN CARRYING ON YOUR VITAL WORK. THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WHO BELONG TO THE HANDICAPPED MINORITY ARE THE IMMEDIATE BENEFICIARIES OF YOUR WORK -- BUT IN THE LONG TERM, IT IS THE ENTIRE NATION THAT BENEFITS. -
(page 1)
(handwritten over header)
(unintelligible)
Hard of hearing(?) (unintelligible)
(unintelligible)
REMARKS OF HONORABLE BOB DOLE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN
DENVER, COLORADO
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1971
IT IS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO BE HERE IN DENVER FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN. THE TWO THOUSAND PARTICIPANTS GATHERED HERE THIS EVENING FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY SYMBOLIZE THE KIND OF CONCERN, SERVICE AND COMPASSION FOR WHICH YOUR ORGANIZATION STANDS. BUT I REALIZE YOU ARE NOT HERE JUST TO BE CONGRADULATED FOR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS. THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK LEFT TO BE DONE, AND I KNOW THAT YOUR MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT WORK WHICH WE MUST ACHIEVE TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.
NARC RECORD OUTSTANDING
YOUR OUTSANDING RECORD OFFERS A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR OUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS AND SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION AND A HOPE FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM HANDICAPS OF ALL TYPES. I AM ESPECIALLY AWARE OF THIS BECAUSE 26 YEARS AGO, I BECAME A MEMBER OF THAT OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD, FREQUENTLY UNDERESTIMATED,
(page 2)
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AND WHOLLY UNVOLUNTARY MINORITY GROUP: THE HANDICAPPED. SO I HAVE HAD 26 YEARS TO LEARN WHAT IT MEANS; THE CHALLENGE, THE DISCOURAGEMENTS, THE EXHILARATION OF SUCCESS, AND -- PERHAPS MOST OF ALL -- THE GIFT OF KINDNESS AND DEDICATION THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU CAN GIVE TO THE HANDICAPPED
MEMBERSHIP IN THIS MINORITY HAS MEANT MANY THINGS TO ME. HOWEVER, ONE POINT OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE HAS BEEN AN APPRECIATION OF THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL FOR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SOCIETY WHICH THE HANDICAPPED POSSESSS. ALONG WITH THIS GREAT POTENTIAL, THERE IS ALSO A GREAT NEED -- A NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING -- OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE HANDICAPPED FACE -- OF THE ASSISTANCE THEY REQUIRE TO FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL -- OF THE PRIORITIES FOR THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ATTAIN THIS GOAL -- AND, THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING THAT HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE FIRST AND HANDICAPPED SECOND.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IS STAGGERING IN ITSELF. RIGHT HERE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO, THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES THAT 12 PERCENT OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN ARE HANDICAPPED. LAST YEAR'S FUNDS FOR EDUCATION OF THESE HANDCAPPED TOTALED $1,929,503.
(page 3)
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EXTENSIVE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL RETARDATION, FEDERAL ASSISTANCE HAS EVOLVED OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS SET IN MOTION THE ALLOCATION OF FEDERAL RESOURCES TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCALITIES IN DEVELOPING COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
PRESIDENT NIXON SIGNED THE LABOR, HEALTH AND WELFARE APPROPRIATOINS FOR FISCAL 1972 INTO LAW ON AUGUST 10. THE APPROPRIATIONS MEASURE IS SECOND LARGEST IN THE BUDGET, EXCEEDED ONLY BY DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ACT WERE MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE INITIAL REQUEST OF $11 MILLION. THE FINAL TOTAL ON FUNDS FOR DDA IS $25.965 MILLION. OF THIS AMOUNT, $21.715 MILLION IS FOR FORMULA GRANTS TO STATES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES UNDER TITLE I OF THE ACT. CORE SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED FACILITIES, UNDER TITLE II, WAS RAISED TO $4.25 MILLION.
FEDERAL ACTIVITY COVERS SUCH AREAS AS:
(page 4)
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PREVENTATIVE SERVICES: MATERNITY AND INFANT CARE PROJECTS PROVIDING NECESSARY HEALTH CARE TO PROSPECTIVE MOTHERS IN HIGH RISK POPULATIONS.
BASIC AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: THESE INCREASE THE EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE RETARDED; ESTABLISH STAFF AND ENLARGE MENTAL RETARDATION COMMUNITY FACILITIES; EVALUATE CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONS; AND PROVIDE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES AND HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS.
PERSONNEL TRAINING IS ANOTHER KEY AREA WHERE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION BY AIDING IN THE TURNING OUT OF RETARDED, BIOLOGICAL, AND MEDICAL BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH PERSONNEL, AND SOCIAL REHABILITATION PERSONNEL, AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING OF INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL.
FEDERAL-BACKED RESEARCH INTO THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION, IN EFFECTIVE METHODOLOGIES, AND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD, AS ARE CONSTRUCTION OF UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND INCOME MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS DEPENDANT ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
(page 5)
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HEW DECLARES PRIORITY
IN FACT, HEW SECRETARY RICHARDSON AND COMMISSIONER MARLAND HAVE SINGLED OUT SERVICES TO THE HANDICAPPED AS ONE OF THEIR AGENCIES' NATIONAL PRIORITIES. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE EFFORTS OF ORGANIZATIONS LIKE YOURS, AND THE COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THEIRS, CAN ADVANCE RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND OTHER DISABILITIES TO THE POINT WHERE CONTRIBUTION FACTORS -- SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND PHYSICAL -- CAN BE ISOLATED, TREATED AND REMEDIED. IN OTHER WORDS, OUR COMMON GOAL IS THE DAY WHEN BOTH YOUR ROLE AND THAT OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PRIMARILY A PREVENTATIVE ONE RATHER THAN ONE WHICH MUST COPE WITH THE UNFORTUNATE RESULTS.
IN THE MEANTIME, HOWEVER, THOUSANDS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN COME OF AGE EACH YEAR. IF THEIR PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED EARLY ENOUGH, AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT INITIATED, THEY NEED NOT BECOME DISABLED ADULTS. BUT WE KNOW THAT THIS CANNOT BE TRUE IN ALL CASES, AND THAT THE DISABLED ADULT WILL NEED SPECIALIZED SERVICES IF HE IS TO MAXIMIZE HIS OPPORTUNITIES FOR A FULL, PRODUCTIVE, INDEPENDENT LIFE.
(page 6)
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NEEDS OF ADULT HANDICAPPED
IT WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THIS RATHER OBVIOUS HUMAN NEED THAT IN THE 1967 REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFAR, RESULTING IN THE SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICE, THE PRIME UNIT WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR RETARDED CHILDREN WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE TO THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.
AGAIN, IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNFULFILLED NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS, THE CONGRESS PASSED IN 1970 THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICE AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION ACT TO REPLACE FORMER LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THIS NEW, BROADENED AUTHORITY, WHICH BRINGS IN THE CEREBRAL PALSIED, THE EPILEPTIC, AND OTHERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO THE MENTALLY RETARDED, IS ALSO ADMINISTERED BY THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. IT EMPHASIZES THE INTEREST AND ACTIVE EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
(page 7)
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ROLE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
THE PLACING OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAM FOR ALL THE DISABLED POINTS THE DIRECTION TO AN EMERGING OVERALL ROLE OF THE REHABILITATION AGENCY AS A KIND OF OMBUDSMAN FOR ALL THE PROGRAMS OF ALL THE DISABLED OF WHATEVER AGE.
IN A SENSE, THEN, WHAT IS BEING ACHIEVED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM FOR THE RETARDED IS A PILOT EFFORT FOR ON-GOING DEVELOPMENTS WHICH, WITH SUCCESS, WE WILL BE SEEING MORE OF ON AN EXPANDED BASIS.
YOUR FOCUS, I REALIZE, IS ON THE RETARDED CHILD. BUT FOR THE CHILD GROWN UP, YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT THE STATE-FEDERAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM PLACED 30,356 MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS INTO GAINFUL WORK DURING FISCAL 1970, OR SOME 3,400 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
NEW YOUTH SERVICE ROLE
THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING IN THE SPECIFIC FIELD OF AID TO THE HANDICAPPED -- PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM SOME FORM OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY. FOR THE BALANCE OF MY TALK, I
(page 8)
-8-
WOULD LIKE TO TALK A DIFFERENT KIND OF HANDICAP AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO REMEDY IT. IT IS NOT THE KIND OF HANDICAP THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH, YET IT INVOLVES GIVING YOUNG AMERICANS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS AND INCREASE THEIR CAPABILITIES IN A WAY THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DENIED THEM. I THINK IT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL WANT TO KNOW ABOUT, AND WILL BE HEARING A LOT MORE ABOUT IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD. IT IS PART OF THE NIXON ADMINISTRATION'S NEW ACTION PROGRAM DIRECTED BY JOSEPH H. BLATCHFORD, WHOM YOU MAY BE MORE FAMILIAR WITH IN HIS ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF THE PEACE CORPS. IN FACT, THIS NEW PROGRAM INCORPORATES MANY OF THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF THE PEACE CORPS, APPLYING THEM TO STUDENTS RIGHT HERE AT HOME.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
"UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" IS THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST -- AND POTENTIALLY BROADEST -- RESPONSE TO THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOW READY AND EAGER TO MAKE THEIR LIVES COUNT FOR SOMETHING.
THIS FALL, APPROXIMATELY 500 STUDENTS FROM 11 UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES WILL ENROLL IN SCHOOL AND THEN, WITHOUT REPORTING FOR CLASSES,
(page 9)
-9-
SET TO WORK ON THE PROBLEMS OF POVERTY IN NEARBY COMMUNITIES -- PROBLEMS THAT MORE AND MORE EXPERTS ARE COMING TO REALIZE ARE VITALLY CONNECTED WITH THE HEAVY INCIDENCE OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND MANY OTHER HANDICAPS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN FUTURE YEARS IS UP TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTIES AND ADMINISTRATORS OF OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE POTENTIAL NUMBER IS ENORMOUS AND THAT PARTICIPATION WILL DO IMMEASURABLE GOOD NOT ONLY FOR THE POVERTY COMMUNITIES SERVICED, BUT FOR THE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.
FOR, BY JOINING "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION," UNIVERSITIES CAN LOOSEN THEIR GRIP ON THEIR STUDENTS, TEAR DOWN THE WALLS THAT KEEP THE STUDENTS IN AND THE GREATER WORLD OUT, AND BREAK THE ISOLATION WHICH HAS SEPARATED SO MANY CAMPUSES FROM THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN RECENT YEARS.
VOLUNTEER HEALTH SERVICES
"UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" WILL ENABLE MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA TO DELIVER HEALTH SERVICES TO MIGRANT LABORERS; BUSINESS MAJORS FROM PEPPERDINE COLLEGE TO HELP BLACK OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESSES SUCCEED IN WATTS; AND EDUCATION STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY
(page 10)
-10-
OF COLORADO TO HELP INDIANS IN SOUTH DAKOTA DEVELOP THEIR OWN UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
AND WHILE DOING THIS, STUDENTS WILL NOT BE DELAYING THEIR OWN CAREERS, BUT WILL BE ENRICHING THEM WITH PRATICAL EXPERIENCE. FULL ACADEMIC CREDIT UP TO 30 HOURS WILL BE AWARDED FOR A FULL YEAR'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
LIVING COSTS COVERED
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE A MODEST SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE, VARYING WITH COMMUNITY LIVING COSTS. THE AVERAGE MONTHLY ALLOWANCE WILL BE $185. THE VOLUNTEERS ALSO RECEIVE PAID MEDICAL INSURANCE.
BUT FOR MANY STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY MARRIED STUDENTS WITH FAMILIES OR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NO FINANCIAL RESOURCES, PARTICIPATION WILL MEAN A PERSONAL FINANCIAL SACRIFICE. VOLUNTEERS WILL WORK FULL TIME AND ARE PROHIBITED FROM SECURING PART-TIME OR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT.
TO MITIGATE THE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR STUDENTS WHO OTHERWISE WOULD RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP AID OR WHO RELY ON PART TIME AND SUMMER EMLOYMENT TO FINANCE THEIR EDUCATION, ACTION WILL SET ASIDE $50 A MONTH IN ESCROW TO BE PAID TO THESE VOLUNTEERS ON COMPLETION OF 12 MONTHS' SERVICE IN THE PROGRAM
(page 11)
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ALL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE
ANY STUDENT, UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE, ENROLLED IN A PARTICPATING UNIVERSITY IS ELIGILE FOR THE PROGRAM. THE UNIVERSITY ITSELF WILL SEEK OUT WORK ASSIGNMENTS IN POVERTY AREAS, LOOKING TO THE PROPERTY ORGANIZATIONS AND LOW-INCOME PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO DEFINE THE AREAS WHERE ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.
"UNIVERSITY FOR ACTION" IS A PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF A PLEDGE PRESIDENT NIXON MADE IN JANURARY TO STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA. HE CALLED FOR AN ALLIANCE OF GENERATIONS -- OR RICH AND POOR, BLACK AND WHITE, YOUNG AND OLD -- WHICH WOULD BLEND THE EXPERIENCE OF ONE WITH THE COMMITMENT OF THE OTHER.
ALLIANCE OF GENERATIONS
"UNIVERSITY FOR ACTIONS" IS A MAJOR ATTEMPT TO FORGE THAT ALLIANCE. BUT BEYOND "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" ARE OTHER INITIATIVES WHICH MUST BE CONSIDERED IF WE ARE TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE EQUIPTMENT TO MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.
(page 12)
-12-
WE MUST START NOW TO EXPAND THE CAPABILITY OF OUR SCHOOLS TO TRAIN YOUNG PEOPLE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE SEPARATE FROM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREERS. WITH THE ADVENT OF THE FOUR-DAY WEEK, THE EXTENDED VACATION AND THE SECURE RETIREMENT, CITIZENS ARE IN A POSITION TO SEEK WAYS TO PUT THEIR NEW-FOUND LEISURE TIME TO BETTER USE.
CHALLENGE OF LEISURE
AS THE TIME ALLOTTED FOR LEISURE GROWS LONGER, MANY AMERICANS WILL DESIRE TO FILL THOSE HOURS WITH MEANINGFUL SERVICE. IF OUR SCHOOLS HAVE PREPARED THEM FOR A SECOND CAREER IN SERVICE, OUR NATION'S UNTAPPED TALENT WILL BE UNLEASHED AS NEVER BEFORE -- AND WITH UNTOLD HUMANITARIAN BENEFITS TO THE HANDICAPPED AS WELL AS OTHER DISADVANTAGED GROUPS.
OUR SOCIETY NEEDS MEN AND WOMEN TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH DELIVERY SERVICES, TO WORK IN PAROLE AND PROBATION WORK, TO BUILD PARKS, MONITER AIR AND WATER, PLANT TREES -- EVEN TO GET THE TRASH OFF THE STREETS.
(page 13)
-13-
BECAUSE MANY OF THESE PROBLEM AREAS REQUIRE SPECIALIZED TRAINING, OUR SCHOOLS MUST TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN STRUCTURING CLASSWORK TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR PART-TIME SERVICES AFTER GRADUATION. AND INEVITABLY, THIS MUST BEGIN WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, FOR THEY ARE IN OUR COLLEGES AND HIGH SCHOOLS NOW.
BRIDGING THE GAP
AS MUCH BEEN MADE OF THE "GENERATION GAP" WHICH SUPPOSEDLY EXISTS BETWEEN THOSE UNDER AND THOSE OVER AGE 30. PESSIMISTS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE THAT THIS GAP IS UNBRIDGEABLE, A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVISIVE FACTORS WHICH REND OUR SOCIETY TODAY.
BUT THE YOUNG OF ANY GENERATION HAVE ALWAYS SOUGHT TO IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST NOBLE ASPIRATIONS OF THEIR SOCIETY. WHAT YOUTH TODAY IS QUESTIONING IS THE CREDIBILITY OF VALUES WHICH LEAD TO THE POLLUTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND TRAPPING OF OUR POOR IN GHETTOS, AND THE PERPETUATION OF THE CYCLE OF POVERTY.
(page 14)
-14-
THE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS ARE BEING SOUGHT IN WASHINGTON, ON CAMPUSES AND IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES ALL OVER AMERICA. BUT MORE MUST BE DONE TO INVOLVE THE YOUNG IN THESE SOLUTIONS. "UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION" IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN ENCOURAGING THAT INVOLVEMENT.
I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT CAN ALSO HAVE A REAL EFFECT IN HELPING RETARDED CHILDREN -- SECONDARY, PERHAPS, BUT A FAVORABLE ONE.
AND I AM CONVINCED THAT IT IS THE KIND OF CONCEPT, IN THE BROADER SENSE, THAT IS NEEDED IN ALL OF OUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL FIELDS. AS PRESIDENT NIXON ONCE REMARKED, BEFORE ANY SOCIETY CAN BECOME A TRULY GREAT SOCIETY, IT MUST BE A TRULY GREAT SOCIETY.
THE WORK OF ACTION VOLUNTEERS AND THE SERVICES OF MEN AND WOMEN LIKE YOURSELVES HAS MADE AMERICA A GOOD SOCIETY, AND CONTINUES TO MAKE US A BETTER ONE. YOU HAVE MY PLEDGE OF SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN CARRYING ON YOUR VITAL WORK. THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WHO BELONG TO THE HANDICAPPED MINORITY ARE THE IMMEDIATE BENEFICIARIES OF YOUR WORK -- BUT IN THE LONG TERM, IT IS THE ENTIRE NATION THAT BENEFITS.
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