In recent years, the current and past surgeon generals,
as well as many of the leading professional organizations, such as
yours, concerned with the health disparities for persons with intellectual
and developmental disabilities of all ages have discussed and carried
out initiatives to reduce these disparities.
The American Association on Mental Retardation, who
will shortly change its name to the American Association on Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities has recognized that one means to address
these disparities and identify possible solutions is to disseminate
a Declaration on Health Parity for Persons with Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities to bring attention to as many
people and groups as possible to highlight this need.