Five papers from a 1980 conference on normalization reflect contemporary thinking about the principle's implication for mental retardation. G. Dybwad begins with "Normalization and Its Impact on Social and Public Policy," in which he cites progress in the popular attitude towards individuals with retardation. A panel discussion by S. Kaplan, V. Schaaf, and D. Heath, three members associated with a self help consumer group, focuses on "Normalization and the Consumer." P. Roos, in his paper "Normalization and Society," cites confusion over the term and identifies justifications for the normalization principle. C. Brown presents "Normalization and the Law" in which she considers legal issues in the protection of rights and institutional care. A final paper, "Normalization and Economics" by R. Conley and J. Noble, focuses on issues in community based care, employment, and government action. Participant discussions following the five papers are presented. (CL)