special education advocate

· AAC—Augmentative Alternative Communication- The communication technology to help your child communicate.

· ABA—Applied Behavior Analysis—Behavior modification techniques that involve motivation, repetitive teaching, and using a target goal system.

· ADA—Americans with Disability Act—Law that protects the rights of people with disability: accessibility and inclusion.

· ADHD—Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—condition of impulsivity and inattention

· AIM—Accessible Instructional Materials—Learning materials that are in a format of large print, braille, or audio.

· ALD—Assisted Listening Device—device used by students with a hearing disability.

· ASD—Autism Spectrum Disorder—A developmental disorder that affects behavior and communication.

· ASL—American Sign Language

· ATS—Assisted Technology Services—provides technology services and materials so the student can access the curriculum.

· Advocate—support and voice the interest and needs of your child.

· BIP—Behavior Improvement Plan- Plan for teaching alternative and appropriate behaviors that will replace an inappropriate behavior.

· CBA—Curriculum Based Assessment—classroom tests and quizzes.

· CFR—Code of Federal Regulations—federal laws and policies 

· CTE—Career and Technical Education—teaches skills for post-secondary and independent living.

· ED—Emotionally Disturbance

· EI—Early Intervention- for birth to preschool.

· ELL—English Language Learners

· ER—Evaluation Report

· ESOL—English as a Second Language education program

· ESY—Extended School Year—summer education

· FAPE—Free and Appropriate Public Education—Under Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Under Section 504, all children are afforded an education that meets their individualized needs..

· FBA—Functional Behavior Assessment- the observations and documentation of a continual inappropriate behavior. Leads to a behavior improvement plan (BIP).

· FERPA—Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act—confidentiality law

· ID—Intellectual Disabilities

· IDS—Severe Intellectual Disabilities

· HI—Hearing Impaired

· High-incidence disabilities (CAT A)—learning disabilities, speech disabilities, physical disabilities, other health impaired disabilities

· IDEA—Individuals with Disability Act—federal law that protects the education rights for students with 

· IEE—Individual Education Evaluation.

· IEP—Individualized Education Plan—A learning plan, just for your child, developed to meet academic, behavioral, social, life skills, and communication needs.

· LEA—Local Education Agency—ex. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)

§ Low-incidence disabilities (CAT B)—autism, intellectual disabilities

· LRE—Least Restrictive Environment—continuum of services from homebound to general education. The type of classroom/school environment.

· NCLB—No Child Left Behind—government education initiative

· O & M—Orientation and Mobility—for Visually Impaired. Program for independence.

· OCD—Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

· OCR—Office for Civil Rights—advocacy

· ODD—Oppositional Defiant Disorder

· OHI—Other Health Impaired—medical diagnoses, ADHD

· OI—Orthopedic Impairment

· OSEP—Office of Special Education Programs 

· OSERS—Office of Special Educations and Rehabilitation Services

· OT—Occupational Therapist

· PBIS—Positive Behavior Intervention Supports—school-wide behavior intervention

· PD—Physically Disabled

· PWN—Prior Written Notice—After IEP meetings, you get a copy of the proceedings.

· PT—Physical Therapist

· SEA—State Education Agency

· SEAC—State Education Advisory Committee—district advisory committee for special education, composed of administrators, faculty, parents, and student.

· SLD—Specific Learning Disability- Having a processing deficit in the math, reading, writing, and/or communication area.

· SLP—Speech Language Pathologist—gives speech services to students with speech delays.

· TBI—Traumatic Brain Injury

· VI—Visually Impaired

· 504 plan—an accommodation plan to help level the playing field for a child who does not qualify for an IEP.