Legislation has played a key role in defining appropriate services, as well as educational and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Advocacy efforts and litigation spanning over twenty years resulted in a number of key pieces of law. The responsibilities of the public and private sectors of society and the rights of individuals with disabilities have been identified in the following important pieces of legislation.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112 )
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) (1975)>
Education for All Handicapped Children Act Amendments of 1986 (PL 99-457)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL 101-476) (1990)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (PL 101-336)(1990)
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (PL 105-17)