This report is the outcome of study group that investigated best practices for serving individuals who are deaf and low functioning. It is designed to help State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies assist individuals with disabilities in securing competitive employment and is meant to be a source for innovative ideas for program development and a tool for use in training of general VR counselors as well as rehabilitation counselors for individuals with deafness. Chapter 1 frames the areas of consideration when serving individuals who are deaf and low functioning, including education, family, rehabilitation, and environment. Chapter 2 discusses methods of identifying and assessing persons who are low functioning deaf. Chapter 3 describes the importance of school-to-work transition and the roles of family, education, and other service delivery systems throughout the process. Chapter 4 advocates the team approach in achieving employment outcomes. Chapter 5 describes the critical need for qualified staff to serve persons who are deaf and low functioning. The final chapter examines the need for agency assessment of the quality of services provided to this population. Appendices include an explanation of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, outreach and supported employment, a communication assessment case study, and rehabilitation Web sites. (Contains 73 references.) (CR)