Use the name of the act for in-text references, putting the date either in a phrase using "of" or in parentheses. In this case, either of these formats would be correct in-text:
"The Equal Access Act of 1984 illustrates..." or "The Equal Access Act (1984) illustrates..."
Cite the Equal Access Act of 1984 in the references page according to its location in the U.S. Code. An entry should include this information:
Name of Act § Section number, Volume number U.S.C. § Section number (Year).
The Equal Access Act, therefore, should look like this on the references page:
Equal Access Act of 1984 § 20 U.S.C. § 4071 (1984).
Create the symbols in the legislative entry (§) by copying and pasting from another document or finding them in the "Symbols" option in your word processor. In Microsoft Word 2007, under the "Insert" menu, choose "Symbol" on the far-right section of the menu. When that dialogue box opens, click on the "special characters" tab to find the symbol, called the "Section" symbol.
Format the other aspects of the paper carefully according to APA guidelines. For instance, use a hanging indent for the entry on the references page. Remember to clearly indicate every time you refer to the act in your paper.