The project sought to determine the content and form of materials that would enable parents of children with disabilities to become informed critical consumers of respite services. Project activities included establishment and utilization of a national advisory panel; an indepth review of the literature on family supports, systems change, and consumer empowerment; and a national survey of parents. The literature review found that respite literature is focused on establishing and maintaining respite services, with few evaluation studies or resource guides. Respite literature is primarily directed at providers. The national survey was shrink-wrapped with the October 1988 issue of "Exceptional Parent Magazine," which was distributed to some 22,943 subscribers; of these, 2,847 sent back completed and usable forms for a return rate of 12.41 percent. The survey covered: description of the family member with a disability; description of the household and caregiver; availability and use of respite; satisfaction with respite; problems with respite; desirable information and most preferred form for information; and desirable forms of family support services. The study concludes that respite is a valuable resource for families who are able to utilize it; however, families seem to have substantial problems working out the details of obtaining necessary support. Implications of the study for developing training materials are outlined. The report concludes with 11 references, a list of 6 resources on respite care, a list of members of the project advisory panel, and a copy of the survey questionnaire. (JDD)