The authors describe personal experiences with Usher's Syndrome, a condition involving visual impairment (due to Retinitis Pigmentosa) and deafness. Prevalence and onset of Usher's Syndrome are described along with characteristics of two different types. Problems connected with diagnosis are reviewed, including genetic aspects and the progressive nature of the visual loss. Types of ophthalmological techniques are described, including oculomotor tests, retinoscopy, and electroretinography. Five stages of the syndrome are noted: (1) awareness, (2) general counseling, (3) general planning and community resource identification, (4) specific planning and adjustment counseling, and (5) adjustment. Service implications are reviewed along with 31 common behaviors characteristic of Usher's Syndrome children. (CL)