There are several efforts today in the United States to explore and develop new educational applications for both the main frame computers and the microcomputers, especially in the development of instruction for the culturally disadvantaged and the handicapped. Recent developments for the visually impaired include using high speed braille-terminals connected to a central computer, and a talking calculator which uses synthesized speech to interpret keys pressed and results displayed. New technology for the hearing impaired includes a touch sensitive screen to take programs ranging from Spelling Bee to Calculator, and a video interactive device to teach lip reading skills. Computer assisted instruction, consisting mainly of drill and practice, has also been successfully used for the mentally handicapped and learning disabled children at the elementary and junior high school levels. Efforts to help the physically disabled have resulted in a speech synthesizer, and a graphic display screen used in conjunction with a hand-held pen. An additional function of the computer has been to diagnose and prescribe instruction for the handicapped, and to support individualized programs for emotionally disturbed students. Forty references are included. (Author/BK)