Ten topic papers examine federal laws and programs affecting persons with disabilities and make recommendations for improved use of federal money. The papers cover: (1) equal opportunity laws, examining the status of disability-related equal opportunity laws and identifying gaps in coverage, shortcomings and inconsistencies in interpretation and application, and deficiencies in enforcement; (2) employment, focusing on transition programs, supported work, placement initiatives, and sheltered employment; (3) disincentives to work under social security laws; (4) prevention of disabilities, addressing existing programs, problems, and gaps in legislation and programs; (5) transportation, focusing on urban mass transit, air travel, bus travel, Amtrak, and private transportation; (6) housing, dealing with federal housing assistance and loan programs as well as nondiscrimination and fair housing requirements; (7) community-based services for independent living, which explores services for individuals with various levels of handicap and the costs and benefits of community-based independent living services; (8) educating children with disabilities, dealing with early childhood and preschool programs and integration of special education classes and programs into regular educational settings; (9) personal assistance, which outlines issues and national policy for providing attendant services; and (10) coordination of policy development and of program administration. (JDD)