Disability ServicesGlossary
Understand key terms and definitions related to disability services
-Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
A therapy that uses behavioral principles to improve socially significant skills, often used with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Accommodations
Modifications or adjustments made to teaching methods, assessments, or classroom environments to support a student's learning needs without altering the educational standards.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Anxiety Disorder
A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of excessive anxiety or fear that interfere with daily activities.
Art Therapy
A form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A plan tailored for students with behavioral issues, which outlines strategies and supports to address challenging behaviors while promoting positive development.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone, caused by damage to the developing brain.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, fostering adaptive coping mechanisms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A therapy combining CBT techniques with mindfulness, designed to help regulate emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
Disability Compensation
A tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with disabilities that were incurred or aggravated during active military service, aimed at helping them manage their living costs.
Dual Eligibility
An individual who qualifies for both Medi-Cal and Medicare benefits, allowing them to access a wider range of health care services and coverage.
Dyslexia
A learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and language processing.
Executive Function Disorder
A condition involving difficulties with planning, organization, and self-regulation.
Exposure Therapy
A therapeutic approach that gradually exposes individuals to feared situations or stimuli to reduce anxiety.
Family Therapy
A modality that involves family members in sessions to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Fragile X Syndrome
A genetic condition causing intellectual disability, behavioral challenges, and distinct physical features.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A legally binding document that outlines the specialized education services and supports a student with disabilities will receive, tailored to their individual needs.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
A principle in special education that ensures students with disabilities learn alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, while still receiving necessary accommodations and services.
Major Depressive Disorder
A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, affecting how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.
Medi-Cal
California's Medicaid program that provides health care services to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities.
Medi-Cal Managed Care
A system in which Medi-Cal beneficiaries receive their healthcare services through a managed care plan rather than directly from fee-for-service providers.
Medicare
A federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and for certain younger individuals with disabilities; it helps cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs.
Mental Health Parity Act
A law requiring that insurance benefits for mental health and substance use disorders be equal to benefits for other medical conditions.
Mental Health Screening
The process of systematically checking for mental health conditions in individuals, often through questionnaires or interviews, aimed at identifying symptoms that may require further assessment or intervention.
Mental Health Services for Veterans
A range of services provided by the VA to address mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of veterans.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
A therapeutic program that incorporates mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation and mental health.
Music Therapy
The clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
A therapeutic approach that assists individuals in developing, recovering, or maintaining daily living and work skills through meaningful activities.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event, either experiencing it or witnessing it, leading to severe anxiety, flashbacks, and avoidance behavior.
Premium
The amount of money that must be paid for health insurance coverage, such as Medicare premiums that individuals with certain incomes may be required to pay.
Related Services
Additional supports such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling provided to help a student with disabilities benefit from special education.
Section 504
Part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based on disability and outlines the rights of individuals to receive reasonable accommodations in educational settings.
Section 504 Plan
A plan that outlines the accommodations and services for a student with a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, ensuring that they receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) without discrimination based on their disability.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
A condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information, leading to sensory overload or under-responsiveness, which can significantly impact daily functioning and learning.
Special Education
Instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, which may include specialized teaching methods and accommodations as outlined in an IEP.
Veteran Affairs (VA) Services
A government agency that provides a variety of services and benefits to eligible military veterans, including healthcare, disability compensation, education benefits, and community support programs.
Veteran Legal Clinics
Programs that offer free legal services and assistance to veterans dealing with legal issues related to their benefits, housing, or other veteran-related matters.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
A program under the VA aimed at helping veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment, including educational support.