Summaries are presented of more than 60 key federal laws pertaining to the legal rights and benefits available to persons with disabilities. The laws are organized into general subject areas, including: education, employment, health, housing, income maintenance, nutrition, rights, social services, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. The provisions of each separate act are described in non-technical language. After providing a brief overview of each law's basic purpose and structure, the major programs authorized under the statute are described. An encapsulated legislative history of the law highlights major milestones in the evolution of the statute. Minor legislation affecting persons with handicaps is summarized in an abridged format, including a brief discussion of the law's importance and its legislative origins. The information provided is restricted to the provisions of the federal laws and does not cover regulatory and administrative policies or judicial decisions. (JDD)