Steven P. Perlman DDS MSCD

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
in recognition of his contribution in promoting and advancing oral health care
to the "Special Needs Community" awards to
Dr. Barry Waldman
The AADMD Lifetime Achievement Award
2010
"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it."

In this issue of the “Reviews and Reports,” Drs. Waldman and Perlman heighten our awareness of the unique challenges presented to individuals living in rural environments and also having a developmental disability. The old expression “out of sight, out of mind” certainly comes into play here. But there is hope; while limited, there are examples of attempts to remedy this situation (see ruralinstitute.umt.edu/). As the authors reveal, a significant disparity exists between numbers requiring care and numbers of trained caregivers available. From these authors comes a “Call to Action."

On October 3, 2007, in Shanghai, China, Special Olympics honored Dr. Paul Berman and I with its highest award, the Spirit of China Award for global leadership in promoting human dignity. Past recipients of this award include Nelson Mandela, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Deng Pufang, Nadia Comaneci, Yao Ming, Vanessa Williams, and Ray Lane. The event was televised throughout Asia as a television special with leaders of the Chinese entertainment industry performing. We cannot express how overwhelmed we were as we had no knowledge of our receiving it prior to the event.