This document accompanies a video training series entitled "A Better Way" for those serving special needs and nontraditional students. The guidebook provides information to enable educators, parents, and human service personnel to help secondary and postsecondary students access vocational education and make the transition from school to employment and further training. Together, these materials increase understanding of how to provide disadvantaged and handicapped students (as defined by the Carl Perkins Vocational Education Act) with the guidance and special service assurances required by the Act. Topics include questions regarding provision of special services to disadvantaged and handicapped students; the Carl Perkins Vocational Education Act; a historical perspective; identification of special needs students; vocational education for disadvantaged students and students with handicaps; role and responsibilities of counselors, school psychologists, placement personnel, vocational special needs/resource personnel, teachers/instructors, administrators, and parents/guardians; information for adult and postsecondary students; the state's role and government contact people; agency coordination; and promotion of change. The materials on parents/guardians and students are in both English and Spanish. (YLB)