Real concerns have arisen in recent years about the rights of people with disabilities. This has resulted in the enactment of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and in a number of legislative reforms at State level including the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) and amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). In order to understand these developments, this course examines the legislation in the light of the historical treatment of disability, both physical and intellectual, and critically evaluates the social construction of disability and the ensuing policies and practices. A variety of models explaining disability will be discussed and evaluated. The theoretical and legal context for disabilities will then be tested by an examination of a number of case studies. These may include case studies on integration in education, sexuality, medical treatment, employment and treatment in the criminal justice system. Finally, the role of law and social policy in facilitating change for people with disabilities will be considered.