The integration of handicapped children into mainstream schools remains an important policy issue in OECD countries. Thinking about the nature of handicap has evolved significantly over the last several years. This publication, based on information supplied by a wide range of Member countries and many other sources, traces the significant steps that have led to this new approach and discusses the concept of integration, its practice and its implications for training teachers and support staff. It also sketches some of the financial implications and obstacles to integration. This is thus the first report to discuss the concepts relating to handicap and disability within such a broad framework.