This study presents an introduction to U.S. involvement in the field of international rehabilitation and disability. Oral history interviews were conducted with 21 "distinguished elders" in the field, an oral history conference with 18 of the elders was held and documented, and written sources were reviewed. The study includes: (1) a history of the field (Chapters I, II and III); (2) a compilation of recommendations for the future based upon the ideas and suggestions of the distinguished elders;" (Chapter IV) and (3) a series of short biographies of the 21 "distinguished elders." The history begins with the passage of the Poor Relief Act of 1601 in England, which was American law during the colonies' existence, and continues through 1990 addressing: governmental policies, public attitudes, international exchange of ideas, technological advancements, effects of wars, disability rights, development of rehabilitation centers, and efforts of international organizations. In chapter IV the recommendations focus on improved national coordination efforts, training of personnel, and international cooperation. Brief biographies are then presented of Bell Greve, Henry H. Kessler, Howard Rusk, and Mary Switzer. Following this, biographies of the "distinguished elders" are presented: Norman Acton; Irving Blumberg; Elizabeth Monroe Boggs; James Burress; Francis Connor; Gunnar and Rosemary Dybwad; Herman J. Flax; William Gallagher; Mervin Garrettson; James Garrett; Ignacy Goldberg; Joseph LaRocca; Virginia Grace (Gini) Laurie; Romaine Pryor Mackie; William P. McCahill; Harold John Russell; Henry Viscardi, Jr.; Helen Payne Wilshire Walsh; Dorothy Warms; Harold Wilke; and Donald Von Stein Wilson. (Contains 59 references.) (JDD)