This document reports the proceedings of a summit to assess the adequacy of the U.S. effort to prevent mental retardation and related disabilities and to chart the course for future strategies to reduce the incidence and ameliorate the effects of these disabilities, particularly when caused by socioeconomic conditions. The document contains "Statement of Occasion: The Challenge" by Hugo Moser, a keynote address by Duane Alexander titled "A National Prevention Strategy for Addressing Conditions That Negatively Affect Mothers and Children," and an awards luncheon address by Louis W. Sullivan titled "Comments on the National Effort To Prevent Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities." The following papers are also included: "Impact of the 'New Morbidity' on Epidemiological Rates in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities" (Godfrey Oakley); "Healthy People 2000 Objectives for the Nation--Impact on Persons with Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities" (Ashley A. Files); "A National Prevention Agenda Including the Institute of Medicine Study" (Allen Crocker); "A Model Approach for Preventing the 'New Morbidity': Implications for a National Plan of Action" (Alfred Baumeister); "Effective Strategies for Preventing Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities Associated with Socioeconomic Conditions" (Edward Zigler); "The Role of Developmental Disabilities Councils and Agencies in Planning for the Prevention of Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities" (Deborah McFadden); "Prevention Initiatives of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families To Address the Needs of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Mothers and Children" (Wade F. Horn); "Support Services of the Maternal and Child Heath Bureau in Planning To Prevent Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities in Children" (Vince L. Hutchins); "Social Security Initiatives That Impact the Lives of Families at Risk and Reduce Children's Morbidity" (Gwendolyn S. King); "Rehabilitation Services Administration Options for Interagency Initiatives in Prevention and Rehabilitation" (Nell Carney); "Ameliorating the Effects of Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities in Aged Adults" (Joyce Berry); "NIDRR: Scope of Opportunity for Interagency Collaboration and Research in Mental Retardation" (William Graves); "Provisions of the Education of the Handicapped Act--Part H" (Michael E. Vader); "Office of Special Education Programs: Coordinated Service Delivery for a Changing Population of Students with Disabilities" (Judy Schrag); "The Impact of Substance Abuse and Teratogenic Factors on Child Development and Family Options" (Judy Howard); "Professional Preparation and Training To Meet the Needs of Mothers and Children with HIV Infection and AIDS" (Herbert J. Cohen); "'Return Us the Children'--Societal Prerequisites" (Travis Thompson); "Florida's Movement from Prevention Planning to Prevention Program Implementation" (George Schmidt); "Iowa Community-Based Low Birth Weight Prevention Pilot Project" (Roger Chapman); "Getting the Lead Out in New Jersey: An Example of Interagency Leadership and Cooperation" (Deborah E. Cohen); and "California--Addressing the Needs of a Changing Society" (Raymond Peterson). The document also contains summaries of work group recommendations and administrative items related to the summit. (JDD)