Part 1 Introduction. Part 2 In the wake of change - post-second world war developments, 1945-1980: technological changes and the growth of the rehabilitation professions; early international organizations; national and regional organizations of disabled people. Part 3 Release from the yoke of paternalism and "charity", 1972-1980: Rehabilitation International and disabled people's participation; the threat of Canadian non-co-operation; a world organization established in Winnipeg. Part 4 Laying a foundation, 1980-1981: steering committee meetings; promoting DPI regionally; promoting DPI at the international level. Part 5 A joining of common purposes - the DPI Founding World Congress, Singapore, 1981: the Canadian secretariat searches for funds, May-December 1981; happenings in Singapore. Part 6 Creating Solidarity - locally and internationally: the DPI development program; socio-economic projects; overcoming societal barriers. Part 7 Growing pains - internal operations: internal operations, 1981-85; internal operations, 1986-89; underrepresented groups; organizational issues. Part 8 Citizens with rights - international activities: DPI involvement at the United Nations; peace issues; DPI and the International Labor Organization. Part 9 Conclusion: onward... Part 10 Epilogue: disabled peoples' international and social movement theory.