Changes already well underway in the world of work will affect the opportunities for full employment, and these changes will have an impact upon all working persons, including the hearing impaired. In the year 2000, many more women, more older persons, and more individuals with different language backgrounds and cultures will be in the work force. Modern medicine and creative technology will enable more disabled workers to be employed. Business and industry are challenging schools and rehabilitation centers to produce qualified candidates for the jobs that await them. Many current jobs will disappear; 86 percent of the work force will be in the service sector. Half of the service sector jobs will be related to information collection, management, and dissemination. To prepare for the future, hearing impaired persons must have basic skills, be able to communicate, and possess career-related interpersonal skills. Other necessary skills and background will be expected, including a familiarity and proficiency in computer operation. Teachers and parents must overcome fears and suspicions of new computer technology and encourage hearing impaired children to use a keyboard to access the possibilities of the computer. (YLB)