The record of the 1985 hearing addresses policy issues concerning families of disabled children. Statements are presented from parents of severely disabled children, educators, researchers, agency personnel, and disabled consumers. Topics addressed include sources of family stress, need for financial and respite services, the effects on other family members, the importance of vocational training, the degree of physician involvement, and the extent of families' health care access and use. Appended papers and supplemental materials, which comprise most of the document, consider such topics as women's labor force activity, marital dissolution, support for families of autistic and autistic-like children, and services for infants with special needs. (CL)