The manual on work experience programs for special education students focuses on issues of program development and enhancement of existing services. Developed by an Arizona state task force, the manual begins with a rationale to students, employers, and the community. A model conceptualizes the career development process as it relates to handicapped students, specifying phases of community awareness, interest and job awareness, prevocational development, vocational skill development, skills application, and specialized services/referral. The manual then addresses work experience programs, which fit into the skills application phase of the continuum. Types of work experiences are described along with goals and information on student selection. Program implementation aspects covered include identification and selection of training/work stations, supervision and evaluation of students' work experience, selection of work experience coordinators, program evaluation, and curriculum and instruction. Recommended program standards are proposed. Extensive appendices include: definitions of related terms; resources, materials, and related information; sample forms; funding sources; program models and contact persons; and references and selected bibliography. (CL)