Analyses of the service needs of various disabled groups indicate that the techniques of community psychology are relevant for developmentally disabled persons. Objective needs assessment contributes to effective community psychological interventions by providing valuable input to decisions on systems analysis, program design, evaluation, consultation, and advocacy--activities central to the role of the community psychologist. The community psychologist may provide support in three components of needs assessment: design, liaison, and follow-up and feedback. Input by the community psychologist is important in: (1) developing support of local government and providers through the use of objective data; (2) exploring agency-specific information needs; (3) teaching data interpretation skills to administration staff; (4) communicating information system capabilities; (5) developing comprehensive outputs to satisfy needs; and (6) conveying information needs to computer and information system staffs. Over time, the demand for community intervention in providing disability services will increase and be facilitated through needs assessment. (Author/NRB)