Developed as part of Delta College's Parent Awareness Program, this manual provides information related to the special concerns of parents and families of developmentally disabled children, adolescents, and adults. The first section stresses the importance of planning and preparing for the future and establishing adequate financial and personal resources. Questions raised by parents about issues such as friendships, dating, sex education, marriage, career possibilities, and alternative living arrangements are discussed; and the feelings and concerns of brothers and sisters of handicapped siblings are explored. Financial and educational issues are the focus of the next section, which presents information on supplemental security income, guardianship, and alternatives to guardianship (e.g., family and friends, citizen advocacy, trust funds, power of attorney, and limited bank accounts). This section also looks at the legal basis for special education, and the functions of individualized educational planning committees. A section on advocacy services for developmentally disabled citizens provides information on the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service for Developmentally Disabled Citizens, Inc., followed by a paper entitled "A Practical Guide to Advocacy," by Mary L. Hines. The next section stresses the importance of developing social skills in the process of normalization. This section considers issues related to social acceptance, physical appearance, social coping behavior, self-fulfillment, assertiveness, dating, marriage, and sexuality. The final sections look at living and working alternatives for the developmentally disabled, examining group and nursing homes, state institutions, adult activity programs, and work activity programs. Each section includes references. (EJV)