This monograph considers issues in the training of sexuality skills in students with severe mental retardation. An introduction stresses the importance of such skills for these students. A profile of 12 common characteristics of this population and a summary of human commonalities precede the body of the guide. Common manifestations of sexuality often experienced in this population are considered, including: public masturbation; pregnancy, incest, and rape; being used as sexual "objects"; lack of privacy; and lack of recognition of chronological age. An ideal sexuality program is described, including staff responsibilities focusing on ensuring dignity and respect and on skill training objectives (e.g., awareness of body parts that others are not allowed to touch and recognition of public rest room symbols). Sample forms used in Wayne County (Michigan) to identify annual goals and instructional objectives are attached. A six-step outline gives guidelines for program initiation and implementation. Important additional issues are briefly considered. These include puberty, menstruation, inappropriate sexual behaviors, birth control, sterilization, sexual urge inhibitor medications, sexual abuse, nurturing, intimacy, and the need to give and receive love. Also attached are a list of indicators of possible sexual abuse, information on facilitated communication and charges of sexual abuse, and a paper on normal sexual development. Contains a list of 11 resources. (DB)