Recorded presentation

Doreen Croser and Michele N. Gagnon. American Association on Mental Retardation, 444 N Capitol Street, NW, Suite 846, Washington, DE 20001-1512, 202/387-1968, mgagnon@AAMR.ORG

Mental Retardation and other developmental disabilities affect at least 1.5 million children under the age of 18 and appear to be increasing. Given that we know exposures to neurtoxicants may contribute toand exacerbate mental retardation and other developmen tal disabilities, the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) has instigated a new national program, Collaborating for Action (CFA). The main goal of CFA is to engage the developmental disabilities sector in the growing national movement to eliminate toxics that may contribute to neurological problems and disabilities. In order to do this, CAF currently has three top priorities:1) Fostering collaborative educational and advocacy campaigns with members of the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative, the Partnership for Children’s Health and the Environment and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.2) Working with elected and appointed officials and policymakers in support of expanded research and encouraging the inclusion of people with disabilities in current research efforts.3) Building bridges between federal, state, and local organizations to support appropriate policies and ensure their implementation.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand the nature and extent of developmental disabilities in the United States.
• Participants will learn about the Collaborative for Action and how developmental disabilities organizations can work together with key environmental health allies to reduce exposures to neurtoxicants.
• Participants will be able to identify specific legislative and policy priorities for the developmental disabilities community in regards to neurotoxicants.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation