ABSTRACT
Writing a chapter on the barriers precluding accessibility to services for the mentally retarded is an ambitious project. It is ambitious because of the vast quantity of data available in this area. In this respect, such data are reflective of much of the research of the mentally retarded population. As Wolfensberger (1967) has noted, "The quality of research has been low. What is needed is not more research, but better research." A computer search and review of the literature on barriers to services (Harris & Harris, 1976; Nagi, McBeoom, & Collette, 1972) reveals significant similarities regarding the quantity vs. quality problem. In addition, an analysis of the research on barriers reveals a general trend in which information is presented and described but seldom systematically analyzed in order to recommend "what to do" and "how to do it" in a comprehensive manner.
