Barriers to effective education of handicapped children and the roles of social agencies in a position to provide a climate for change and innovation are the focus of this book. Administrative ineptitude, unqualified administrators and teachers, poor standards for graduate students, inadequate teacher education, and attitudes toward education and change are considered. Thoughts on innovation include educational responsibility, four types of administrators, communication problems, four processes in innovation, and the problem of goals. The role of the university in the following aspects of innovation is examined: changes in special education over four decades, the school of education and its curriculum, dynamic planning, teacher selection, and the preparation of special education teachers. A discussion of the role of public schools considers attitudes toward children with unusual learning or adjustment problems, self concept, and means-end and multidisciplinary orientation. Federal support for programs, an idea oriented climate, a case study of a community, and suggestions for sharing in and organizing for innovation are also discussed. (RP)