ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the third major section of the book, devoted to the services and supports required by individuals with mental retardation and their families. A relatively brief chapter, it offers a view of the desired framework of attitudes and values within which those services and supports should be provided. The term “supports” is given special emphasis in the 1992 definition of mental retardation (Luckasson et al., 1992) and is intended to convey the notion of “assisting” persons with retardation to maximize their adaptive functioning and community integration. Supports are best illustrated in the use of personal aides in employment, residential, and classroom settings. We continue to use the traditional des-ignation “services” referring to “supports” as appropriate.
