A variety of head-mounted aids have been developed in the past decade to fill in the functional gaps of children and adults unable to use their hands at standard capacity. For those with speech difficulties, the optical pointer, headstick and mouthstick also provide communication alternatives. This handbook discusses the characteristics of several of the options, along with suggestions for their implementation. At play, a handicapped child may use a headstick for painting, role-play games of hide-and-seek, or simply to interact more freely with toys that have been appropriately modified. Optical pointers may be useful in games of hide-and-seek, or may be used to direct an aide's hands in playing with dolls and other toys. Board games and electronic/computer games are also well suited to play with headsticks and pointers. Modifications can also integrate a magnetic stick into many common games. For communication, head-mounted aids can be used to operate electric typewriters and alphabet boards. In the classroom, textile handicrafts and music can be performed through use of head-mounted aids, and even such complex kitchen tasks as peeling potatoes, beating ingredients and glazing can be performed with a headstick and attachments. Several pages of pictures illustrate techniques for work, play, and creativity using head-mounted aids. (PB)