The volume focuses on case studies conducted in France, Norway, the United Kingdom, and West Germany depicting educational provisions for handicapped young people. Interviews with 20 young adults who have recently attended special institutions show them examining their experiences and commenting on their preparation for adult life. Experiences of five young men from West Germany cite personal background, social considerations, education and traning information and plans for the future. Among conclusions noted are (1) that the physical situation of the rehabilitation centers increases the isolation and (2) that only handicapped people themselves can improve their situation. A followup study of school leavers in Norway presents case studies illustrating open employment, semi-sheltered employment, unpaid employment, and prolonged education and describing the experiences of an invalid pensioner. The case studies from England focus on a receptionist/typist, a toll-bridge keeper, and a young married couple. Social and professional profiles of six special school leavers in France present information on their personal backgrounds and present positions. (CL)