During the past three decades, there has been a growing concern for handicapped children and youth in Egypt. Current legislation recognizes the rights of the handicapped, and the Egyptian government supports the care, education, rehabilitation, and personal/social adjustment of handicapped citizens. The responsibility for the disabled is divided among the Ministry of Education (concerned with the education of blind and partially sighted, deaf and partially deaf, and mentally retarded); the Ministry of Social Affairs (which provides rehabilitation services to all disabled persons), the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Manpower. Many problems still need to be addressed in the educational system. The position of special education teacher is viewed as a less than desirable position, socially and economically, and many low-achieving students are urged to enter the field. Preschool assessment procedures do not exist; and the system for identifying exceptional school-age children is antiquated, relying on outdated instruments which often have invalid norms. Special instructional needs of handicapped students are often not considered. Services need to be developed for severely emotionally disturbed children, preschool handicapped children, and disabled adults. (JDD)