The Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council has created a Parallels in Time II web site, which features a multimedia history collection about the John F. Kennedy administration's role in initiating new programs for people with disabilities.
The Council says that America and people with disabilities began a significant chapter in 1961, when President John F. Kennedy initiated a greater federal role in disability issues. This groundbreaking effort was then known by the title “A Proposed Program for National Action to Combat Mental Retardation.” The President’s Panel redefined the role of institutions and supported the concept of community residential alternatives.
The Council collaborated with Fred Krause, who worked for years with the President’s Panel, to recreate the resources from that time period and placed them online. Included on the web site is:
- President Kennedy’s remarks on the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation, in which he declares, “The time has come for a great national effort.”
- Pierre Salinger’s original press release of October 11, 1961, announcing formation of the Panel. It contains the language, realities and objectives of that time, and is seen at www.mncdd.org/parallels2/pdf/62-sallinger-pr.pdf.
- A video of Elizabeth Boggs contains her descriptions of the framework and accomplishments of the President’s Panel. Her remarks are transcribed onscreen, with accompanying photographs.
- A link to view the President’s remarks (full-motion video, with transcription) at the 1962 Kennedy Foundation Awards Dinner.
- The recommendations of the President’s Panel (216 pages) can be found at http://www.mncdd.org/parallels2/pdf/62-NAC-PPM.pdf.