225B.1  Findings and intent.
  1.  The general assembly finds that:
  a.  Thousands of Iowans are affected by a developmental disability which is a disability that arises before age twenty-two and is of sufficient severity to affect an individual’s ability to participate as an independent, productive member of the community. Many other Iowans experience less severe mental or physical disabilities or disabilities which occur in their adult years which require specialized services. Many disabilities are due to conditions that are preventable or could be minimized if recognized or treated early. Preventing disabilities would result in a substantial savings to the state both in terms of human potential and public funds.
  b.  There is a need for a coordinated and comprehensive prevention of disabilities effort in the state. Many state departments and private organizations are involved in prevention activities but there is no unified prevention strategy or ongoing coordination in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of prevention of disabilities activities in the state.
  2.  It is the intent of the general assembly to establish a system to coordinate prevention of disability activities among the state departments and to assist the governor and the general assembly in determining priorities and establishing policies for the prevention of disabilities.
91 Acts, ch 169, §1