This newsletter theme issue focuses on the need to accelerate the closing of institutions for people with mental retardation. Articles are by both current and former residents of institutions and by professionals, and include: "The Realities of Institutions" (Tia Nelis); "I Cry Out So That I Won't Go Insane" (Mary F. Hayden); "Trends in Institution Closure" (K. Charlie Lakin and Robert Prouty); "Deinstitutionalization Litigation: Experiences and Outcomes" (Judith A. Gran); "Thoughts and Impressions on Institutional Closure" (Steve Taylor); "Inside and Out: Former Residents Reflect on Their Lives" (Russell Daniels and Mark Samis); "Operation Close the Doors: Working for Freedom" (Tia Nelis and Nancy Ward); "On the Outside Looking In" (Ruthie-Marie Beckwith); "There Is a Hell: One Parent's Story" (Kathy Hayduke); "Parental Attitudes toward Deinstitutionalization" (Lynda Anderson and Sheryl A. Larson); "Voluntary Closure: The Homeward Bound' Experience" (Donna Hoverman); "Community Medical Care: Barriers, Recommendations" (Mary F. Hayden and K. Charlie Lakin); "Closing Brandon Training School" (Bonnie Shoultz and Charles Moseley); "Developing Individualized Supports While Closing Institutions" (John O'Brien and Steve Taylor); "Building Community Capacity" (Michael W. Small and Susan Burke-Harrison); and "The Final Stages: Community Services for People Considered the Most Difficult To Serve" (Tom Fitzpatrick and K. Charlie Lakin). (DB)