The basic purposes of the President's Panel on Retardation and the significance, impact, causes, and effect of the problem are reviewed, and improvements suggested. Each section presents basic data and opinions, gives both specific and general recommendations for improving or expanding services or developing new programs, and indicates whether responsibility for action lies with the local, state, or federal government, with private agencies, or with some combination of these. Subjects covered include research and scientific manpower, prevention, clinical and social services, education, vocational rehabilitation and training, residential care, and law and the mentally retarded, public awareness, and organization of services (planning and coordination). The President's statement in 1961 on the need for a national plan and a list of members of the Panel are included. (LE)