The manual contains three classifications (impairments, disabilities, and handicaps), each relating to a different plane of experience consequent upon disease. Section 1 attempts to clarify the nature of health related experiences by addressing reponse to acute and chronic illness; the unifying framework for classification (principle events in the development of illness, definitions); and practical application of the concepts (terminology, deviation from norms, measurement, classification of impairments and disabilities, dimensions of disadvantage, and classification of handicaps). Section 2 offers lists of two digit categories of impairments in the following areas: intellectual, other psychological, language, aural, ocular, visceral, skeletal, disfiguring, generalized, sensory, and other. Section 3 covers classification of the following types of disabilities: behavior, communication, personal care, locomotor, body disposition, dexterity, situational, particular skill, and other activity restrictions. A final section lists dimensions for the classification of handicaps in the areas of orientation, physical independence, mobility, occupation, social integration, economic self sufficiency, and other. Also provided is guidance for assessment of impairments, disabilities, and handicaps. (SB)