IN 1961 THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY ESTABLISHED A COMMISSION TO STUDY NEEDS AND PROVISIONS FOR THE EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN. IN ADDITION TO MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF MANY AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE, THE COMMISSION EMPLOYED A PROJECT DIRECTOR AND A STAFF OF SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTANTS WHO GATHERED DATA ABOUT ALL EXISTING PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPED A SERIES OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMISSION REVIEW AND TRANSMITTAL TO THE ASSEMBLY. THE MAJOR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION ARE SUMMARIZED. CONSULTANT RECOMMENDATIONS AND EVALUATION FOR EACH AREA OF PROGRAMS FOR THE HANDICAPPED ARE INCLUDED. THESE CHAPTERS REPRESENT COMPREHENSIVE DESCRIPTIONS AND EVALUATIONS OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN EXISTENCE IN FEBRUARY 1963. (DF)