In recognition of the limitations of isolated decision making, teamwork has emerged as a preferred approach for educating students both with and without disabilities. The Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) process described in this manual offers ways to think about and implement many of the tenets of collaborative teamwork to make support-services decisions for students with disabilities. The manual was designed as a self-study process that enables educators, administrators, support services providers, family members, and other team members to work together more efficiently to expand students' educational opportunities. The introduction focuses on the process of developing a shared framework. Section 2 reviews current issues in educational support services and offers a rationale for establishing collaborative services. Initial research shows that use of the VISTA approach improves intrateam agreement about support-services provision, reduces gaps and overlaps among members, and improves satisfaction with team decision making. Section 3 offers 10 detailed guidelines for establishing a team, defining the components of the educational program, determining functions of providers and their interrelatedness, making service recommendations, building consensus, determining location and strategies for service provision, and engaging in ongoing implementation and evaluation. The fourth section provides directions for preparing for and conducting the VISTA meeting. Nine tables and a variety of forms and worksheets are included. Appendices contain a description of support services, a checklist and forms, and examples of VISTA approaches for various special-needs students. (Contains 53 references and 14 recommended readings.) (LMI)