This booklet summarizes provisions and regulations of recent federal legislation and case law examples mandating equal access for children and youth with disabilities in schools. The first chapter addresses the importance of complying with both the letter and spirit of the equal access principles underlying these laws. The second chapter summarizes the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, including the purpose of the statute, its legislative background, definitions of terms, major provisions, specific Titles, enforcement and remedies, impact of the Act, and where to go for help or additional information. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 is covered next. The summary includes major provisions of the Act, provisions for medically fragile children and related services, case law concerned with least restrictive environment, amendments and modifications, impact of the Act, and where to go for help or additional information. The fourth chapter examines the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, with emphasis on recent interpretations and case law. This chapter includes the purpose of the statute, its legislative background, major provisions, attention deficit disorders, local education agencies and Section 504, recent cases, and legislative impact. The final chapter looks at the impact of the equal access principle, including philosophies and beliefs and the role of the school administrator. (Contains an annotated bibliography of 15 items and 65 references.) (DB)