This report describes the self-reported training needs of advisors to self-advocacy groups for people with mental retardation in the United States. The results of a telephone survey of 90 advisors indicate that because of time, financial, and interest issues, training opportunities for advisors need to be time sensitive, inexpensive, and interactive. Training development should focus on formats such as on-the-job training, site visits, conference/workshops, role playing, video packages, and internships. This is especially true of advisors who are paid by service provider agencies because the data in this study have shown that the employing agency is not likely to participate in training opportunities that are time consuming and expensive. Computer based training placed in the lower half of a list of preferred training formats. Further, because of the ever evolving nature of the advisor's training needs, training opportunities for advisors also need to be flexible in content and focus. The study also found that younger advisors have a greater need for information and training in the broad areas of self advocacy group development, current disability issues, changing technologies, federal legislation, and human rights issues than do their older counterparts. Appendices include survey results. (Contains 36 references.) (CR)