This guide is intended to serve as a source of information pertaining to educational provisions for handicapped and disadvantaged students enrolled in vocational education programs in Alabama. The following topics are discussed: legislation (the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education of the Handicapped Act, the Carl Perkins Act, and Alabama Public Law 106); set-aside funds for the handicapped and disadvantaged (general uses of excess cost funds and procedures for obtaining funds); disadvantaged students (federal classification criteria, eligibility requirements for special services paid for with excess cost funds, identification of and special services for educationally and economically disadvantaged students, accountability, and examples of programs for disadvantaged persons [mainstreaming and special programs and services]); handicapped students (classification criteria, eligibility requirements for services paid for through set-aside funds, identification and placement of handicapped students in special and vocational education programs, alternative services and assistance for handicapped students, and work experience programs that provide handicapped students with direct participation in the world of work); other concepts, programs, and services (least-restrictive environments, modified programs, separate specialized programs, and related services); and commonly asked questions and answers (excess cost funds in relation to general uses, equipment, and salaries; identification of handicapped and disadvantaged students; and provision of services). (MN)