The Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice, comments on the state of disability policy in the United States as reflected in current laws and regulations. Interagency efforts within government are seeking to identify gaps in coverage, as well as duplications and overlap, in existing federal disability programs. Rather than attempting to embrace a single piece of vaguely worded, expansive legislation, bills tailored to specific problems will ultimately result in a more comprehensive set of protections for handicapped citizens. The passage of legislation to assure nondiscrimination in private sector employment is a top priority for action. Other areas needing attention are disincentives to work found in the social security programs, and discrimination in housing, education, federally assisted health care services, and social services. (JW)