The Computer Animated Reading Instruction System (CARIS) was developed to introduce reading to children with varied sensory, cognitive, and physical handicaps. CARIS employs an exploratory learning approach which encourages children to experiment with the reading and writing of words and sentences. Brief computer-animated cartoons provide the child with visual feedback of the meaning of sentences constructed by the child. Pilot experiments show that children with varied learning handicaps can develop beginning reading skills through use of this system. The possible implications of such systems to current models of reading readiness and psychometric testing are briefly mentioned. (Author)