This newsletter theme issue on distance education serving individuals with disabilities considers historical developments, technology, staff training strategies, and staff training materials. It is noted that improving access to training for staff members can improve the quality of services for individuals with disabilities. The following articles are presented: "Distance Education: Training Service Providers in the Information Age" (Teri Wallace and Dick Weatherman); "Distance Education Technology: Past, Present, and Future" (Marvin Fifield); "Enhancing Quality and Access to Training through Distance Learning Technologies" (Larry D. Coyle); "Meeting Direct Service Training Challenges with ITV" (Amy Hewitt, et. al.); "Reaching across the Wilderness: Distance Education in Alaska" (Susan Ryan-Vincek); "New Pathways to a Degree at the College of St. Catherine" (Julie Bass Haugen and Mary Beth King); "Computer Assisted Training: What's Next on the Rehab Education Horizon?" (Karen Flippo); "Closing the Distance Gap" (Amy J. Armstrong); and "Multi-University Training: The 'Media Exchange Program'" (George J. Vesprani). In addition, descriptions are provided of the Paraprofessional Training Project which offers distance education via interactive television throughout Minnesota, University of San Francisco's Executive Master's degree program in Rehabilitation Administration, and a human services agency's computer-based in-house training vehicle called SCOUT. Also described are six training materials for use in distance education and 10 books and journal citations on distance education. Most articles contain references. (SW)