The report presents and discusses the recommendations for executive or legislative action made by the President's Task Force on the Mentally Handicapped, after having reviewed existing programs, both public and private. The recommendations concern both the mentally retarded and the mentally ill. The major areas covered are prevention, treatment and short-term care, rehabilitation and extended care, social problems, financing mechanisms and the organization and delivery of services, research, manpower and training, and public attitudes and public education. (KW)