Presented are 12 author contributed chapters which developed out of an invisible college of leaders concerned with providing services to the severely, profoundly, and multiply handicapped. Stressed throughout the book are such needs as the need to listen to parents, the need for new training programs for teachers of the severely handicapped, the need to be aware of potential problems in implementing programs, and the need for support and commitment from government. Chapters have the following titles and authors: "Criterion of Ultimate Functioning" (L. Brown et al), "Infant Identification" (N. Haring), "The Role of the Parent" (R. Sullivan), "Early Intervention" (E. Allen), "Curriculum Concerns" (V. Baldwin), "A Teacher's Perspective" (N. Scheuerman), "Educational Synthesizer" (D. Bricker), "Public School Programs" (R. Sherr), "Planned Change -- The Role of Technical Assistance" (L. Kenowitz), "Deinstitutionalization" (L. Larsen), "Federal Leadership" (E. Sontag), and "Service of Research" (W. Bricker). Also included is an annotated resource bibliography of approximately 180 items with sections on characteristics and treatment; gross motor development; physical therapy for the cerebral palsied; the neurodevelopmental method; cognitive development; behavior shaping techniques; toilet training; prelanguage, language and communication development; vocational training; parents; and materials of the American Association for the Education of the Severely/Profoundly Handicapped. (DB)