Age appropriate training programs in natural environments for deaf-blind adolescents help to develop functional skills, with the ultimate goal of independent living and work placement. Other approaches to the education of handicapped children entail activity for the sake of activity, or babysitting and fun activities. The actual training of a severely handicapped individual on a real job has been found to accurately demonstrate the active potential of a student. The more severely disabled a person is, the less likely training (including classroom and on-campus work adjustment training), will transfer to real job situations. Currently, most severely handicapped students are first placed in a sheltered workshop after an initial work evaluation. Rarely is consideration given to immediate competitive job training. Although the sheltered workshop is appropriate for some individuals, too many capable people are allowed to work at substandard facilities for far less than minimum pay. Region 20 Education Service Center in San Antonio, Texas, operates an expanded independent-living apartment program, which includes "live-away" fieldtrips for weekends. These experiences allow normal peer social interaction in ways not as often seen in self-contained public school classrooms. Allowing independence and initiative means risk-taking, which provides the opportunity for students to reach their full potentials. The alternative of meaningless activities and lifetime disability benefits to individuals who have the potential and desire for independent functioning handicaps society as well as the disabled person. (SEW)