Microcomputer assisted instruction for the vocational education of special needs students is in the formative stage. Computer programmers do not understand educational processes well enough to produce effective software, while the majority of special needs educators lack computer training. Special needs educators need to use existing knowledge in the area of computer assisted instruction (CAI) to modify or develop programs to meet their students' learning styles. Some other suggestions to get CAI initiated are preservice and inservice on computers, learning material development, and incentives for teachers to learn CAI. The role of CAI in the curriculum can be to supplement the regular curriculum; reduce instructional time; operate at the special needs students' pace; give instant feedback; provide tutoring, drill, and practice as well as tests and questions; and provide surprise, challenge, and curiosity. Components of good CAI program designs are student control, individualized instruction, modularized programs, multisensory presentations, and clearly written support materials and documentation. (Following four pages of narrative, six examples of programs for disabled persons are provided. A final section contains annotated listings of resources of three types: software vendors, organizations, and publications.) (YLB)