The paper presents a rationale for involving parents of handicapped children in the multidisciplinary team process and offers suggestions to facilitate the involvement. Parental rights guaranteed by P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, are summarized. Advantages of parent involvement include increased understanding of their child's disability, improved prospects for implementing the team's recommendations, and enhanced parent-professional relationships. Among facilitative strategies considered are specific preparation to help parents participate effectively in the team process, designation of a specific parent role in the team functioning, and appointment of a parent advocate with responsibilities for overseeing parent participation. (CL)