|
| |
The Arc-US Prevention Vision Statement -- PREVENTION
ISSUE
Mental retardation has an impact on all areas of life such as social, educational, health
and economics. While knowledge of both the causes and ways to prevent mental retardation
has grown enormously, comprehensive programs for prevention are not consistently
implemented or used. Comprehensive programs must include biomedical advances, public
education, socio-economic interventions, preventive health care and elimination of
environmental hazards.
POSITION
The Arc is committed to reducing the incidence and limiting the consequences of mental
retardation through education, research, advocacy and by supporting people with mental
retardation, their families, friends and the community.
The Arc believes that every person has the right to grow and develop in nurturing
environments that are free from abuse and neglect, free from disease, safe from injury and
free from the effects of poverty.
Prevention efforts must include:
 | prenatal, perinatal and postnatal care, including frequent
physical/developmental checks and adequate nutrition as well as available and accessible
support services, including genetic counseling, to high-risk populations;
|
| education on the risks of exposing the fetus to X-rays, smoking, alcohol
and drugs, prescription and non-prescription medications, and sexually transmitted
diseases;
|
| immunization against contagious diseases prior to pregnancy;
|
| mandatory newborn screening programs done within a timeframe that
guarantees accurate results and treatment for metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria,
galactosemia and hypothyroidism;
|
| mandatory immunization of children for all preventable, contagious
diseases;
|
| education emphasizing the risks of the use of aspirin with children;
|
| education, policies and programs to prevent childhood injuries resulting
in mental retardation, including mandatory use of seat belts, safety seats and helmets;
|
| removal of environmental contaminants which are known contributors to
mental retardation; and
|
| enforcement of existing public policy designed to prevent mental
retardation.
|
Adopted by Delegate Body, Nov. 1996. Replaces Position adopted Nov. 1990.
One of a series of position statements reflecting The Arc's vision on issues affecting
people with mental retardation and their families.
The Arc of the United States
500 E. Border St., Suite 300
Arlington, Texas 76010
(817) 261-6003, (817) 277-0553 TDD.
thearc@metronet.com(e-mail)
Back to Issue - July/August
1999
Back to 
|
