This guide notes the value of parent groups for parents of children with disabilities, as they offer parents a place and a means to share information, give and receive emotional support, and work as a team to address common concerns. Typical activities of a parent group are listed, and ways of identifying parent groups that exist nationally and locally are noted. Criteria are outlined for deciding which group or groups would be useful to join, and suggestions are offered for starting a group if no appropriate group exists. These suggestions address: deciding what kind of group to form; deciding whether to affiliate with a larger association; determining leadership and planning the first meeting; handling the first meeting and subsequent meetings; maintaining interest in the group; and serving families who do not speak English. (JDD)