The first of three booklets on attendant care of severely disabled persons is addressed to the personal care attendants (PCAs). An introductory section reviews the basic concepts of independent living, noting the role of PCAs in promoting independence. Discussions of congenital and acquired disability are followed by information on equipment and devices and types of attendant care systems (private attendant systems and shared attendant services). Suggestions are offered for looking for and interviewing for jobs as PCAs. Additional information touches on training and the relationship between the PCA and the handicapped person (noting disability and attendant character types). Appended material includes a glossary and a list of resources. (CL)