The National Council on Disability (NCD) held a National Summit on Disability Policy on April 27-29, 1996 at which 300 grassroots disability leaders gathered to discuss how to achieve independence in the next decade. Following an analysis of disability demographics and disability rights and culture, disability policy is assessed in 11 areas: policy coordination, civil rights, education, employment, social security and other income maintenance, health insurance and health care, long-term services in the community, technology, housing, transportation, and international issues. Recommendations were made in each policy area. The overarching themes of the recommendations were: (1) existing laws should be enforced; (2) people with disabilities should direct policy when they are affected by the outcome; (3) outreach and awareness campaigns must be launched to educate the public; (4) incentives for the inclusion of people with disabilities must be further developed and implemented; (5) principles of universal design should be universally applied; (6) systems, services, and supports for people with disabilities must be further developed as a part of the mainstream of community life; and (7) accurate data about people with disabilities should be regularly collected, analyzed, and reported. Appendices include recommendations for the NCD, a description of emerging issues, and remarks made by Marca Bristo, Chairperson of NCD, and Justin Dart at the national summit. (Contains approximately 80 references.) (CR)