This paper examines the problems and barriers that individuals with severe disabilities often encounter in four areas of their lives: (1) dealing with medical professionals, (2) working with the public education system, (3) receiving rehabilitation services, and (4) socializing with others. The roles of the family, the individual with the disability, and the institutions, professionals, and agencies in the lives of individuals with severe disabilities are examined in terms of possible resolutions to these problems. Ways in which each party could work to maximize the participation of individuals with disabilities in the team process are suggested. (DB)