Intended for people interested in replicating the ideas contained in this manual in their own communities, the handbook describes the Family Exchange Center (FEC), an approach designed to support families with developmentally disabled children. Services offered include social, recreational, educational, mutual aid, support, and respite activities. A rationale for the FEC concept is given in which the family is considered as a system and in which reactions of the system to identification of disability in the child are discussed. Changes in parent/professional patterns and the issue of trust and confidentiality in the FEC model are examined. An organizational chart illustrates the component parts of the FEC, including the coordinating committee, monthly organizational meetings, and a variety of family activities, including informal parent networking, play and discussion opportunities for siblings, and advocacy groups. A final section on administrative considerations addresses staffing and outreach to professionals and consumers. (CL)