Despite huge investments in general education in most developing countries such as Nigeria, education of the handicapped has hitherto been left in the hands of voluntary organizations, owing to a general negative attitude toward disability in communities characterized by mass illiteracy. Current special education needs in developing countries reflect similar needs in Europe and America in the 19th Century, and result from minimal involvement on the part of the government in the welfare of the handicapped. Results of a survey of special education needs in Nigeria reaffirm the need for a concerted effort on the part of special education professionals to evolve model comprehensive special education programs for the country. (Author/SBH)