More effective guidance programs are imperative if disadvantaged, handicapped, and minority students are to realize their personal and career potential in this country. Presently these students are inhibited in their vocational development by cultural differences, values, language differences, limited academic achievement, and vocational motivation. Counselors can take various steps to help their special population clients overcome these problems. Three methods of alternative counseling have been developed which stress an understanding of the students' cultural differences; (1) systemic counseling for the culturally different; (2) transcendent counseling which tries to persuade the disadvantaged to alter their life style; and (3) stylistic counseling which takes into account the cultural-historical dimension. Recognizing the strengths of special populations can help counselors integrate these groups into the educational system and ultimately the work force. It is also necessary for educators to examine their own attitudes and behavior so that they do not allow themselves to limit the educational and vocational opportunities for all students. Specific recommendations are made for meeting the guidance needs of special population students, including the following: familiarization with relevant legislation; special program design; use of community resources; evaluation of vocational guidance programs; professional training for counselors within a multi-cultural context; and job placement and followup. (ELG)