This guide is designed to help vocational education teachers prepare students with special needs to make a successful transition from school to employment. The guide is organized in five chapters. The first chapter provides a definition of transition and a model for transition from special education or vocational education to the community. In Chapter II, the various types of special needs and disadvantaged students are described. Chapter III discusses career preparation for special needs students. Elements include academic preparation, career awareness and orientation, independent living skills, vocational exploration, vocational assessment, work adjustment, vocational education, job placement, follow-up, and postsecondary education. The teacher's role in planning for special needs students to become employed is discussed in the fourth chapter. Some of the teacher's responsibilities include interagency agreements, individualized education programs, and individualized transition plans. The final chapter suggests program components that can ensure successful transitions, including community resources, vocational skill training, employability skills, work experience programs, and follow-up. A vocational special needs student follow-up questionnaire and a list of 18 references are included. (KC)