This literature review discusses cultural influences on individuals with disabilities and describes three historical models of disability--the moral model, medical model, and sociological/environmental/civil rights/minority group model. The use of alcohol and drugs by disabled persons is explored, focusing on individuals with orthopedic and sensory disabilities, developmental disabilities, and dual diagnosis (psychiatric disability concurrent with an alcohol and/or drug problem). The contents of the volume 13, number 2 issue of "Alcohol Health and Research World," described as the definitive document on disability and alcohol problems, are summarized. A bibliography of over 500 items is included, listing journal articles, monographs, sections of monographs, conference papers, and government reports. (JDD)