Phase 2 of a three-phase project examined the secondary education background and employment adjustment of handicapped youth in rural counties in Florida. (Phase 1 was a pilot study.) Subjects were former special education students in five rural project counties who had been identified as needing services in the area of educable mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, or emotional disturbances. Academic background and followup questionnaires were administered to them. Primary project objectives included (1) continuing the working relationship with Rural Research Advisory Committee members, (2) describing programs available to secondary handicapped students, (3) describing economic situation and employment adjustment of former students, (4) developing educational models or best practices for the vocational/special education and training of handicapped students, and (5) assisting counties in special/vocational education program and course planning. Vocational and special education program and course offerings varied from county to county. More former mildly handicapped students were employed than were unemployed. They may be employed in semi-skilled or unskilled jobs and receive minimum wage. A few were enrolled in postsecondary technical education. Vocational education competencies they learned may not be used in their occupations, and seasonal employment attracted a number of former students. (Appendixes include correspondence, special education program descriptions by county, and questionnaires.) (YLB)