The report by the President's Committee on Mental Retardation mentions the accomplishments of the last decade, including the beginning of national networks for diagnosis, a plan for services in each state, and advances in public awareness of all facets of mental retardation. The following programs are considered necessary: services must be brought to those in the most need (especially low income groups); recruitment and training programs for supportive workers must be developed; more imaginative use of resources is needed at all levels; more public-private partnerships in planning, services, and research are needed; basic research and its quick translation into services needs encouragement; and the needs of the retarded should be considered in future social and residential planning. Charts and graphs illustrating findings are included throughout. (JM)