This manual for state, district, and local school officials and employers provides information and techniques for designing and implementing successful cooperative education programs for students with special needs. An introduction defines "special needs" and discusses characteristics of successful programs. Information on selecting and training teacher/coordinators is accompanied by an assessment instrument. These topics are then addressed: vocational guidance, recruiting students with special needs, preparing special needs students for work, motivation, selective job development and placement, skilled supervision, job design, and structuring the work experiences. Information on the training agreement and training plan is provided, followed by assessment instruments for the materials developed. The manual also discusses support services, improving learning at the workplace, employment after graduation, recognition for supporters, and followup evaluation. Six examples of approaches and materials used in cooperative education programs are given. Other contents include a description of a program for students with special needs, Project Work/Ability--California; hints for improving various elements; an annotated listing of outside resources; two self-assessment instruments for program review; and a bibliography of resources for coordinators and administrators of programs for students with special needs. (YLB)