States must ensure that persons inadequately served by vocational education programs, particularly the disadvantaged, have equal access to vocational education. The methods of assuring compliance with federal regulations mandating equal access that are reviewed in this document are intended to be adapted or adopted by state and local administrators, vocational education teachers, and counselors. The first section discusses the educational, financial, social, and environmental factors that contribute to being disadvantaged. The legislative foundation for disadvantaged individuals in vocational education is examined, with special emphasis on legislation pertaining to academically and economically disadvantaged and limited English proficient individuals. A section on program planning and instruction discusses the special problems faced by disadvantaged students in the areas of academic achievement, functional curriculum, and generalizable, basic, vocational readiness, employability, and study skills; it outlines strategies that have proven effective in helping disadvantaged persons acquire these skills. The next section deals with the following supportive services and special staff: counseling, career development plans, peer tutoring and cooperative learning, cooperative planning, and resource personnel. Thirteen specific recommendations for working with disadvantaged students in vocational education programs are provided. (MN)