Seventeen position papers address essential elements in quality programing for visually handicapped learners. The papers represent the philosophy of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division for the Visually Handicapped. Following two foundation position papers, "Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired" (K. Huebner) and "Visually Handicapped Children" (G. Scholl), five topics are examined: administrative considerations, the teacher, curricular considerations, special populations, and the role of parents. The following papers are included: "The Continuum of Services for Visually Handicapped Students" (N. Bryant); "The Role of Residential Schools for the Blind in Educating Visually Handicapped Pupils" (W. Miller); "The Role and Responsibility of the State Education Consultant for the Visually Handicapped" (State Education Consultants for the Visually Handicapped); "Instructional Resource Centers for the Visually Handicapped" (J. Todd); "Funding" (E. Long); "The Role and Function of the Teacher of the Visually Handicapped" (S. Spungin); "Expansion of the Role of the Teacher of the Visually Handicapped: Providing for Multi-Impaired Students" (P. Vedovatti and R. Silberman); "Teacher Preparation: Continuity and Change" (R. Swallow); "Specialized Certification" (J. Stager); "Low Vision: Topics of Concern" (L. Gardner and A. Corn); "The Role of the Orientation and Mobility Instructor in the Public Schools" (E. Hill); "Programs for Visually Handicapped Infants and Young Children" (Participants of VIIIth International Seminar on Preschool Blind and Visually Impaired); "Education of Gifted Visually Handicapped Children" (A. Corn and G. Scholl); "Services for Deaf-Blind Children and Youth: Coming of Age?" (V. McVeigh); and "Parent/Educator Cooperative Efforts in Education of the Visually Handicapped" (V. Hart and K. Ferrell). A list of pertinent professional agencies and organizations is appended. (CL)