This report describes the closure process for Brandon Training School, Vermont's only public institution for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities, until it was closed in 1993. The report was developed through a review of documents and interviews with state administrators, local program directors and staff members, former Brandon employees, members of the Brandon town community, former residents and parents, advocates, attorneys, university researchers, and others. Topics discussed include what Brandon was like, origins of the idea of closure in the mid-1970s, issues for the advocacy community, beginning the closure process through development of a "Unification Plan," the role of the Division of Mental Retardation, the role of community providers, service development, building an infrastructure, moving toward individualized services, creating safeguards, challenges for the community service system, labor and economic issues for the Brandon community, physical plant issues, and social impact. A concluding section summarizes 10 key factors related to closure. These include recognition of shared values and common vision, responsiveness of administrators, and collaboration among community service providers. (Contains 14 references.) (DB)