This report describes certain assumptions and tentative conclusions made by an Advisory Group of the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) about work with the mentally handicapped from a nonspecialist perspective. With the basic education organizer in mind, the report addresses six major issues. A definition of the term mentally handicapped is provided. The discussion of the need for specialization is supplemented by information on the liaison and cooperation between specialists and also between specialists and nonspecialists. Then, the importance of the context of care and its influence on educational needs are addressed. Next, the relationship between basic education and special education is explored. Four models are proposed for the organization of work with the mentally handicapped in the context of a one-to-one literacy scheme or an adult education center with a literacy scheme. The sixth issue addresses the differences between educational work with the mentally handicapped and literacy, numeracy, and basic skills provision. The report concludes with a brief note on methodology. (YLB)