The booklet examines potential contributions that can be made by mentally retarded workers and exposes common misconceptions about their employability. Initial sections introduce the nature of retardation and describe real-life situations showing economic benefits of employment to employers, taxpayers, and retarded persons themselves. Among the myths exposed are requirements for extra training, declines in productivity, increased injuries, difficulties with absenteeism and turnover, and requirements for extensive architectural modifications. Specific recommendations for increasing employment in this population are directed toward six groups (sample recommendations in parentheses): employers (subcontract work for sheltered employment); teachers, trainers, and program administrators (develop functional and relevant curricula); job development and placement specialists (provide adequate follow-up services); parents (maintain high expectations); mentally retarded persons (ascertain sources of help on the job); and federal, state, and local government staff (reduce lack of incentive for employment). (CL)