This publication provides a summary of relevant federal laws concerning the legal rights and benefits available to persons with disabilities. Relevant laws are divided into general subject areas, including education, employment, health, housing, income maintenance, nutrition, civil rights, social services, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. After providing a brief overview of each law's basic structure, major programs authorized under the statute that affect persons with disabilities are described. The summary of each law concludes with an encapsulated legislative history, highlighting major milestones in the evolution of the particular statute as it impacts persons with disabilities. Minor legislation is summarized in an abridged format. Appendices provide a table listing the legislative histories of key statutes and a table of programs within each category. (PB)