The Appalachian Consortium was evaluated as an organization for the dissemination of educational information regarding programs for the early identification of preschool handicapped children. Chapter I provides a historical overview and discusses the Consortium's independence from the Appalachian Educational Laboratory. The chapter also indicates the involvement of Elsbery System Analysis, Ltd. as a formative evaluator and describes the reasons for changing evaluation designs. Chapter II (Diffusion Strategy as Implemented) presents data and information showing the degree of Consortium and State-by-State commitment to the plan. An analysis of both types of commitment is presented along with additional information and analysis related to Consortium independence. Chapter III (The Dissemination and Diffusion Plan) presents the results of a literature review in the field of diffusion and dissemination as it applies to education. This information is presented in the context of comparing what is believed to be known about establishing working diffusion and dissemination models, to the models presented in this report. Finally, recommendations are made regarding program administration and sources of funding. Extensive appendices include: (1) a description of the evaluation design; (2) a letter to the Executive Director of the Consortium; (3) tables; (4) interview questionnaires; and (5) a 34-item bibliography. (Author/CTM)