Mental Retardation: Some thoughts on Strategies for National Planning

The development of policies and services for the mentally handicapped tend to follow predictable patterns. In Australia services have been largely modelled upon systems which have evolved overseas, and there is inherent in this process the danger that the rights of the retarded may not be accepted by the general community. In order to safeguard the rights of the retarded and to encourage a truly Australian service system, a strong national association which can act as a mediator and consultant between the retarded and the governments is necessary.