This brochure addresses federal laws, regulations, and litigation that dictate how colleges and universities must accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. Emphasis is on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. A summary of the laws' definitions of "handicap" or "disability" reviews litigation concerning the importance of the perception of handicap or disability and special problems with the conditions of drug and alcohol addiction. Requirements for federally assisted programs and activities are noted. Consideration is then given to specific student issues including admissions, adjustments to the academic program, auxiliary aids, student housing, financial aid, student employment, career counseling, placement, physical education and athletics, and health care and health insurance. Other aspects summarized include requirements for physical accessibility and transportation systems. Attached are a checklist of university offices and departments affected by the legislation and an appendix giving specific regulations on postsecondary education. (DB)