Basic information about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is presented in a question-and-answer format. The following questions are addressed: "What is the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?"; "Why is the ADA needed?"; "How is disability defined by the ADA?"; "What does the ADA cover?"; "How does the law address 'undue hardship'?"; "How soon does the law take effect?"; "If discrimination exists, what can a person do?"; "What specifically does the ADA require for people with mental retardation?"; "What can chapters of the Arc do to help implement the ADA?"; and "Where can I go to get more information about the law?" Contact information for four government agencies is provided. (DB)