This guidebook is intended to provide teachers with basic information on special education legislation and definitions of a wide variety of specific physical and mental disabilities. The first chapter focuses on what educators need to know about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Chapter 2 suggests ways that teachers can create a positive learning environment while including students with disabilities. Chapter 3 is a brief discussion of the needs and problems of parents of exceptional children. Chapter 4 discusses characteristics of and appropriate educational strategies for the following disabilities and health disorders: aphasia, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, auditory processing dysfunction, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, emotional disturbance, epilepsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, head injury, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, speech disorders, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, Tourette syndrome, visual impairment, and visual processing dysfunction. The fifth chapter addresses other health disorders such as asthma, diabetes, heart disorders, and hemophilia. A resource section lists associations that provide information and public agencies that offer assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families. (Contains approximately 180 references.) (DB)