This annual report of the National Council on Disability surveys major legal and policy developments during the year 2002 and offers recommendations for legal/policy measures and for research. The first chapter identifies legal and policy issues that cross traditional areas, focusing on six themes: (1) the mainstreaming of disability issues; (2) the rise of the technical assistance model; (3) evidence-based decision making; (4) cost-effectiveness; (5) intergovernmental coordination; and (6) budgetary constraint. The following chapters summarize findings and offer recommendations for the following areas: disability statistics and research; civil rights; education; health care; long-term services and supports; youth; employment; welfare reform; housing; transportation; assistive technology and telecommunications; international issues; and homeland security. Concluding chapters list the recommendations presented in each chapter and summarize major activities of the National Council on Disability. (Contains 120 references.) (DB)