The purpose of this study was to discern African American mothers' cultural models for their experiences receiving early intervention services for their young children with disabilities. Fifteen mothers were interviewed and the records of their children were examined. Findings were organized by 3 conceptual themes: how the mothers handled their parenting of a child with special needs (positive, informed), how family and community influences played a part (involvement of father and extended family, church), and how services themselves varied (e.g., child oriented, friendly service providers, more center based and therefore more hours for African American children). As interpreted through cultural model theory, results show that the African American mothers had discernible shared meanings regarding their experiences with their child and with the use of services. (Contains 38 references.) (Author)