The results are presented of a Commission of the World Leisure and Recreation Association (WLRA) to examine the role of leisure and education for leisure activities among people with special needs living in the community, requiring social or health services outside hospital. A conceptual and practical framework for understanding the process of leisure education is provided and its role for community development and populations with special needs discussed. A total of 17 chapters serve as a foundation for developing models and programmes for leisure education within community settings and will be of interest to those working and researching in the area of education, leisure studies and community development.