The movement of the disabled and disadvantaged from charity to rights is described, and laws defining and applying to these individuals are reviewed. Specific attention is given to the socially and economically disadvantaged, including minority ethnic groups, the offender, and the poor, and to the mentally and physically disabled, including the mentally retarded, the mentally ill, alcoholics and drug addicts, the physically handicapped, and the aged. Legal rights of all the disabled and disadvantaged are surveyed and general principles, specific needs, and suggestions for implementation are presented. (JD)