Seven papers examine issues in vocational education for the moderately to severely handicapped. The first paper, "Introduction: Perspectives on Vocational Education" and "Rehabilitation for the Handicapped" by C. Hansen and N. Haring sets out terms and definitions and provides an overview for the text. C. Hansen's second paper, "A History of Vocational Habilitation of the Handicapped" traces society's perceptions of the handicapped, showing effects of legislation on social practice. In "Vocational Programming for the Severe and Profound in the Public Schools," A. Lynch and T. Singer review assessment and programing steps and describe a model program. S. Levy points out "The Debilitating Effects of the Habilitation Process," specifying the inadequacy of the sheltered workshop system. K. Larson and J. Edwards describe a model program in "Community Based Vocational Training and Placement for the Severely Handicapped," while J. Alper and S. Alper review the effects of reduced staff expectation in "Issues in Community-Based Vocational Programming: Institutionalization of Staff." In the final paper, "Toward Competitive Employment for Moderately and Severely Retarded Individuals," P. Wehman presents a model for employment in nonsheltered settings. (CL)