Acronyms and Terms
Glossary of terms and acronyms relating to disabilities.
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act. Prohibits discrimination because of a disability.
BDDS: Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services. Agency that works with people who are cognitively challenged.
Disability: Impairment that substantially limits the ability to perform life's function.
DLS: Daily Living Skills. Techniques for performing daily tasks independently.
ECU: Environmental Control Unit. Electronic device that allows for the control of household functions like: turning on lights, opening doors, answering the telephone.
FMLA: Family and Medical Leave Act. This law provides guidelines allowing unpaid leave for an eligible employee.
Home Health Care: Medical. Examples: Changing dressing, dispensing medication, IVs.
IDEA: Individuals with Disability Act. This federal law protects the rights of students with disabilities ensuring that all receive a free appropriate education regardless of ability.
IEP: Individualized Education Plan. Goals and objectives to help a child with disabilities achieve academic success.
IL: Independent Living. Tools and techniques to live in the community independently.
In-Home Care: Non-medical care. Examples: Meal prep, light housekeeping, bathing, running errands.
I & R: Information and Referral. Answers to your questions.
LB: Legally blind. Normal vision is 20/20; legally blind is 20/200 or worse, uncorrected.
O & M: Orientation and Mobility. Training on how to travel safely and independently.
PWD: Common acronym for People With Disability or Person With Disability.
Reasonable Accommodation: Modifications allowing a person with a disability to participate in an activity.
VI: Visually Impaired. Decreased vision, uncorrected, due to a variety of eye conditions.
VR: Vocational Rehabilitation. Agency that helps a consumer obtain or maintain employment after a diagnosis of a disability.
