The paper considers the role of program planners in ensuring community adjustment of deinstitutionalized severely mentally handicapped persons, especially in light of the provisions of the Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, which provides a waiver authority to states to increase community programs for the deinstitutionalized population. The paper adopts an ecological view in which the interaction of environmental and individual factors is emphasized. Planners are advised to be proactive, that is, to take the initiative in developing more community resources and alternatives. Among system obstacles cited to deinstitutionalization are lack of staff training, staff recruitment and retention, bureaucratic red tape, and negative attitudes. Suggestions are made for preparing for the transition from institution to community, including facilitating supportive interagency relationships. (CL)