One of 16 booklets designed for use in an Open University course on the education of handicapped children in the United Kingdom, this document focuses on special education policy efforts in Norway, the United States and Italy. Separate chapters present information on each country, especially detailing each country's attempts to provide for integrated schooling for handicapped students. Norway's experience is highlighted in terms of reforms begun in 1920. The Italian approach to integration is considered in light of the country's economic, cultural, religious and political diversity. In the United States, the federal government's initiative (via P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) is detailed, with attention paid to mainstreaming and the individualized education program. Positive and negative effects of the law are briefly summarized. A final section considers the creation of policy; compares the United Kingdom's approaches to policy formation with those of Italy, Norway, and the United States; and questions whether coordination of policy towards integration is desirable and possible in the United Kingdom. Suggested readings and activities are included throughout. (CL)