Reported are results from a needs assessment study on handicapped Howard County (Maryland) residents including information on basic population characteristics, inadequate community services for the handicapped, and recommendations for service improvement. Among findings discussed are that 4.3 percent of the population is handicapped; that the most common handicapping conditions are miscellaneous health impairments, special learning disabilities, and speech and orthopedic handicaps; and that 54 percent are school age, 40 percent are adults, and 5 percent are preschoolers. Also considered are identified needs such as inadequate availability and dissemination of information about services for handicapped residents, lack of supportive mental health services oriented to the needs of the handicapped and their families, and a need for group residential housing. Among recommendations presented are the establishment of a citizens' committee for the handicapped, the consideration of new residential living approaches for handicapped persons, and coordination of a county-wide recreation program for the handicapped. Also provided are charts, tables, and diagrams on handicapped population statistics, types of handicapped services available, and architectural barriers; as well as appendixes which include a review of literature and a description of a peer counseling program. (SB)