This introductory text presents 14 chapters on various aspects of educating individuals with exceptionalities, with emphasis on human diversity in needs, characteristics, and life styles. Most chapters include, in addition to the relevant basic information, personal statements focusing on individuals with differences, current events relating to various exceptionalities, relevant technological applications, suggestions for interacting in natural settings, and ideas for reflection and debate. Individual chapters address the following topics: (1) a multidisciplinary view of exceptionality; (2) multicultural and diversity issues; (3) education through the life span; (4) mental retardation; (5) behavior disorders; (6) learning disabilities; (7) cross categorical perspectives; (8) communication disorders; (9) autism; (10) hearing impairments; (11) visual impairments; (12) physical and health disorders; (13) children and youth who are gifted, creative, and talented; and (14) the impact of exceptionality on the family. An appendix includes the 1992 definition of mental retardation by the American Association on Mental Retardation. A second appendix presents the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A glossary and subject/author indexes are also provided. A separate addition on inclusion addresses issues of educating students with disabilities in regular education settings. Contains over 1,000 references. (DB)