Learning the jargon and plethora of abbreviated terms used in the special needs community is like learning a new language. If you feel overwhelmed or confused, here is a handy cheat sheet to help keep you in the know. Keep this list of acronyms to help navigate school discussions, meetings, doctor appointments and other conversations.
504 – A plan to support students with disabilities
AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication
ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis
ACT – Autism Clinical Team
ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
APE – Adapted Physical Education
APS – Adult Protective Services
ARCA – Represents the 21 autonomous regional centers
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASL – American Sign Language
AT – Assistive Technology
AYP – Adequate Yearly Progress
BAHP – Bay Area Housing Plan
BHT – Behavioral Health Technician
BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
CBI – Community Based Instruction
CCF – Community Care Facility
CDE – California Department of Education
CFS – Children & Family Services
CITP – Community Integration Training Program
CPP – Community Placement Plan
CPS – Child Protective Services
CPT – California Psychiatric Transitions
CRA – Clients Rights Advocate
DD – Developmental Delay
DDS – Department of Developmental Services
DHCS – Department of Health Care Services
DHH – Deaf or Hard of Hearing
DOR – Department of Rehabilitation
DSI – Dual-Sensory Impairments
EBD – Emotional/Behavioral Disability
EBSH – Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes
EI – Early Intervention
ELL – English Language Learner
ELP – English Language Proficiency
ESE – Exceptional Student Education
ESL – English as a Second Language
ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
ESY – Extended School Year
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA – Functional Behavioral Assessment
FCPP – Family Cost Participation Program
FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
FES – Fluent English Speaker
FP – Fully Proficient
HCBS – Home & Community Based Services
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act
I&A – Intake and Assessment
IBSS – Intensive Behavioral/Social Skills Services
ICF – Intermediate Care Facility
ID/DD – Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEE – Independent Educational Evaluation
IEP – Individualized Education Program
IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan
IHSS – In-Home Support Services
ILP – Independent Living Program
ILS – Independent Living Services
IMD – Institutions for Mental Diseases
IPP – Individual Program Plan
KODA – Kids of Deaf Adults
LEP – Limited English Proficient
LES – Limited English Speaker
LI – Language Impairment
LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
NOR – Notice of Resolution (as in Fair Hearings)
NPO – Non-Profit Organization
OAH – Office of Administrative Hearings
OCRA – Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy
OHI – Other Health Impairment
OMT – Operations Management Team
OT – Occupational Therapy
PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
PDD/NOS – Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Not Otherwise Specified
POS – Purchase of Services
PSOC – Parent Share of Cost
QIDP – Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
RCFE – Residential Community Care Facility for the Elderly
RFP – Request for Proposal
RTI – Response to Intervention
SDRC – San Diego Regional Center
SELPA – Special Education Local Plan Area
SI – Speech Impairment
SIR – Special Incident Report
SLD – Specific Learning Disabilities
SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist
SLS – Supported Living Services
SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
VI – Visual Impairment
Information provided by Michele Ferrusi, M.Ed Technology, special education resource specialist.
Leave a Reply