findings and policy

findings and policy Sec. 301. The Congress finds that— (1) the United States has achieved great and satisfying success in making possible a better quality of life for a large and increasing percentage of our population; (2) the benefits and fundamental lights of this society are often denied those individuals with mental and physical handicaps; (3) there are seven million children and at least twenty-eight million adults with mental or physical handicaps; (4) it is of critical importance to this Nation that equality of opportunity, equal access to all aspects of society and equal rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States be provided to all individuals with handicaps; (5) the primary responsibility for meeting the challenge and problems of individuals with handicaps has often fallen on the individual or his family; (6) it is essential that recommendations be made to assure that all individuals with handicaps are able to live their lives independently and with dignity, and that the complete integration of all individuals with handicaps into normal community living, working, and service patterns be held as the final objective; and (7) all levels of Government must necessarily share responsibility for developing opportunities for individuals with handicaps; and it is therefore the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government work jointly with the States and their citizens to develop recommendations and plans for action in solving the multifold problems facing individuals with handicaps.