The paper addresses the issue of access by disabled persons to the world of work, independence, and adulthood by defining the concept of least restrictive employment and presenting a framework for incorporating it into the public schools. Least restrictive employment is viewed as the placement of disabled youth in paid, integrated employment with the maximum opportunity for career advancement, job security, and job satisfaction. Vocational Skills Training and High-Visibility Low-Incidence Supported Employment are offered as program options for facilitating the implementation of the concept in special education and transitional programs. The approach stresses partnerships with private sector employers, attention to the issue of access to the adult society, and adherance to a set of basic guidelines which address the need for long range vocational goals, sequential vocational program options, and mastery of academic skills tied to occupational criteria. References and figures are appended. (Author/CL)