Health and social policy

Executive Order 12994: Continuing the President's Committee on Mental Retardation and Broadening Its Membership and Responsibilities

President: Bill Clinton

Continued and expanded the presidential committee now known as the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Status: In effect as amended.

Is Executive Order 12994 still in effect? Yes. Active as amended and renamed; EO 14354 continued the committee through September 30, 2027.

What does Executive Order 12994 do?

EO 12994 replaced the committee’s 1974 charter, expanded federal and citizen membership, and directed advice on participation, supports, citizenship, self-determination and community inclusion. EO 13309 renamed it to use “intellectual disabilities,” and later orders adjusted membership and continuation. EO 14354 continued the committee through September 2027. The Administration for Community Living supports it and publishes its reports.

Administration position: The committee advises the President and HHS; it does not administer benefits, grants or individual services.
SignedMarch 21, 1996
Citizen membersUp to 21 under the original order
Current namePresident’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Continued throughSeptember 30, 2027

Before and after

Before the order

EO 11776 governed the earlier committee with a narrower charter.

After the order

Self-advocates and families gained an express role in a broader community-inclusion mission.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
CommitteeAdvise on policy, supports and participationUnder its continuing charter
HHS and ACLProvide administration and supportContinuing
Federal agenciesDesignate liaisons and share lawful informationWhen requested

What happened next

EO 12994 continued and expanded the committee.

EO 13309 adopted the current name.

The committee delivered its latest published report.

EO 14354 continued it through September 2027.