The manual is intended for use in training institutes for persons providing respite care for families of children with developmental disabilities in Montana. Expectations for participants and objectives for training are outlined in preliminary sections. Each chapter contains a brief statement of the chapter's main point or points, a selected bibliography, and a discussion. Topics covered include normalization, the developmental approach, basic rights of the disabled, nature of developmental disabilites, language and communication, behavior management, basic needs of the disabled child, programing activities, and general medical problems. Also include throughout the manual are instructions for lifting and carrying the child; suggested methods of dressing and undressing, special adaptations for the blind; suggested recordkeeping form; a seizure report; a medication administration record; and a medication glossary including common abbreviations used in administration of medications. A brief description of the Developmental Disabilities Training Institute concludes the manual. (DB)