The middle part of the 1970s marked the beginning of an era of enhanced concern for the education, treatment, and care of individuals with severe disabilities. For our republished article in this issue of the "Journal of Special Education's" ("JSE") 50th anniversary volume, we have selected a piece by Dr. Norris Haring, founding President of the advocacy organization known as TASH and one of the individuals, if not THE individual, who was at the forefront of the movement to improve the lives of people with severe disabilities. Working at the University of Washington, Haring and colleagues spearheaded efforts to develop and disseminate interventions and proven practices for this group of individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Looking back, there have been great changes from personnel preparation, parent involvement and training, and community support efforts, but despite important advances in these and other areas, great needs remain.