Glossary : A-B
C - D E - H I - M N - S T - Z
A
AAIDD - American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The nation’s oldest and most respected professional association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. www.aaidd.org
ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis
A discipline devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior in a measurable and accountable manner. Often used interchangeably with behavior modification.
ABC Assessment
Observing behavior (B) and its functional relationship to antecedents (A) and consequences (C).
ABLE
A contract agency eligible to serve persons with developmental disabilities within the DDRC service area.
ABS - Adaptive Behavior Scale
The ABS is one of the best-researched and tested psychological measurement tools for evaluating adaptive behavior (daily functioning).
Accessibility
Modification of buildings, curbs, and other physical structures to allow easy movement and admittance by a person with a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 mandates accessibility to all public and private facilities. Modifications might include ramps, use of Braille and sound adaptations.
Accessible
Easy to approach, enter, operate, participate in or use safely, independently and with dignity by a person with a disability.
Accountability
Measures to assure that public funds are used to achieve the desired outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
Accountability, overall
Core indicators that summarize the overall picture of the health of a system as compared to other states or other CCBs.
Accountability, programmatic
Self-determination mechanisms, satisfaction surveys, complaint and dispute processes.
Acidosis
A disturbance of acid-base balance in the body.
Acronym
A word formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term. Acronyms are used for naming syndromes or other conditions and also used as abbreviated names of organizations (for example DDRC), programs, services and tests.
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
This comprehensive federal civil rights law makes it unlawful to discriminate in private sector employment against a qualified individual with a disability. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities in state and local government services, employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunication.
Adaptive Behavior
Adaptive behavior means that the person has overall adaptive behavior which is significantly limited in two or more skill areas (communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, and work), as measured by an instrument which is standardized, appropriate to the person’s living environment, and administered and clinically determined by a qualified professional. CDHS/DDD Reg. 1.2.10.2
Adaptive Response
The way in which an individual responds to what is happening in the environment. How well the individual responds determines whether or not a task has been learned.
Adaptive Skills (Functional Skills)
Those skills used in daily living such as dressing and eating.
ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder
A disorder that shows up in the areas of inattention and impulsiveness. It is evidenced by having difficulty organizing and completing tasks correctly, frequent shifting from one activity to another, failure to follow rules. ADD without hyperactivity refers to the disorder without a high degree of atypical motor activity.
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This is similar to ADD but includes gross motor overactivity, such as excessive running, talking, or manipulation of objects and excessive fidgeting and restlessness.
Adjudicated
Meaning to go before a judge. This term is used to describe the fact that an individual has had a guardian appointed by the court. The person is no longer deemed competent to make informed decisions independently.
ADL
Activities of Daily Living
Adrenal
A gland near each kidney that produces hormones.
Advance Directive
A document that tells your doctor what kind of care you would like to have in case you become unable to make your own decisions about medical treatment and the provision of health care, when and if you become incapacitated (for example, if you are in a coma).
Advocacy
Parents (or families), organizations or volunteers working on behalf of the rights and interests of others (such as people with disabilities). Parents are the best advocates for their children.
AED - Automated External Defibrillator
A device that can be used instead of CPR to revive a person after cardiac arrest.
AFDC - Aid to Families with Dependent Children
A financial assistance program for single-parent families. Modified in the welfare reforms of 1997.
Affect
Emotional aspects of behavior.
Affective
Pertaining to the emotional aspects of behavior.
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge.
Alliance
An association of community centered boards and service agencies dedicated to improving programs for people with developmental disabilities. www.alliancecolorado.org
Alzheimer Disease
A degenerative disease of the brain, causing mental degeneration.
Ambulation
Rolling, crawling, walking, running.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
This comprehensive federal civil rights law makes it unlawful to discriminate in private sector employment against a qualified individual with a disability. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities in state and local government services, employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunication.
Amniocentesis
Amniotic fluid is drawn from the uterus during pregnancy to determine genetic or biochemical abnormalities in the fetus.
AND
Aid to Needy and Disabled.
Anoxic
Pertaining to or caused by lack of oxygen in the blood.
Antecedent
A stimulus that occurs before a behavior. It makes a behavior more or less likely to occur again in the future.
Apgar Score
System of scoring an infant's condition one minute and five minutes after birth.
Applied Behavior Analysis
A discipline devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior in a measurable and accountable manner. Often used interchangeably with behavior modification.
Apraxia
Inability or difficulty in initiating or performing purposeful movements.
APS - Adult Protection Services
The Adult Protection Services unit provides assistance for adults who are at risk of mistreatment or self-neglect.
APSE- Association for Persons in Supported Employment
APSE is a national membership organization committed to expanding and improving integrated employment opportunities and outcomes for persons with disabilities. www.apse.org
Aquatic Therapy
A therapeutic procedure which attempts to improve function through the application of aquatic therapeutic exercises.
Arc in Jefferson County
An agency which collaboratively provides leadership in addressing the choices and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Supporting persons with developmental disabilities living in Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. www.arcjc.org
ARS - Adult Residential Services
State funded residential facilities such as group homes and apartments.
Articulation
The movement by the tongue, teeth and lips necessary to make a given sound.
ASL
American Sign Language. A formal method of communication used by people with hearing impairments. It is a system of articulated hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body as well as facial expression, movements, postures and other nonmanual signs that enhance and emphasize the meaning of signs.
ASO
Administrative Service Organization. An ASO is a non-risk bearing entity that is hired to perform fiscal, legal, and management duties.
Asperger Syndrome or Disorder
A developmental disorder characterized by a lack of social skills, impaired social relationships, poor coordination and poor concentration. Children with Asperger Disorder have average to above average intelligence and adequate language skills in the areas of vocabulary and grammar, but they may not understand the subtleties used in conversation such as irony and humor. It is believed that Asperger Disorder has a later onset than Autistic Disorder or at least is generally recognized later.
Aspiration
Taking into the airways of a fluid or foreign material.
Assessment
Tools that are used to find an individual’s unique strengths and needs.
Assistive Technology
Devices used by people with disabilities to compensate for functional limitations and to enhance and increase learning, independence, mobility, communication, environmental control and choice.
Assistive Technology Services
These services include, but are not limited to the evaluation of a person’s need for assistive technology; helping to select and obtain appropriate devices; designing, fitting and customizing those devices; purchasing, repairing or replacing those devices; and training the individual to use the devices effectively. CDHS/DDD Regs. 1.2.40
Atlantoaxial Instability
A greater than normal mobility of the two upper cervical vertebrae at the top of the neck. Usually found in persons with Down Syndrome.
ATNR - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
With the head turned to the side, the arm on the face side is extended while the arm on the skull side is flexed.
Auditory
Pertaining to hearing.
Auditory Memory
The ability to recall what is heard.
Auditory Processing
Interpretation or the ability to give meaning to the information received through the ears. It is not simply hearing.
Augmentative or Alternative Communication
Non-verbal communication such as sign language, symbol systems (communication boards) or electronic voice output devices.
Authorized Representative
An individual designated by the person receiving services (or by the parent or guardian of the person receiving services) to assist the person receiving services in acquiring or using services or supports. The extent of the authorized representative’s involvement shall be determined upon designation. CRS 27-10.5-102
Autism
A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social relationships, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.
Autonomy
An ethical principle that proposes that all adults are competent until a court decides that incompetence exists. It embodies the concept of self-determination and supports the ability of a person to make decisions for him or herself consistent with the person’s beliefs and values. To act autonomously a person, therefore, must have an established set of values by which to measure his or her own interests.
Aversive Stimuli or Punishment
Any event immediately following a behavior which reduces the frequency or duration of that behavior.
Avoidance Behavior
A behavior which allows an individual to avoid an aversive or unpleasant situation or condition.
AVS - Adult Vocational Services
DDRC vocational program that offers integrated training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
B
Babbling
Play and experimentation with sound by infants, which usually begins around three to four months of age.
Baseline, Base Rate, or Operant Level
The frequency or duration of a behavior before it is changed, modified or before a program is put into effect.
BCABA - Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst
A BCABS holds a bachelor’s degree and has passed a national certification exam, among other requirements.
BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analyst
A BCBA holds a master’s degree or Ph.D. and has passed a national certification exam, among other requirements.
Behavior
Any observable, measurable response or action.
Behavior Modification
Outdated term. Please see Applied Behavior Analysis.
Behavior Objective
A statement that depicts the specific behaviors a child will perform after instruction is completed.
Beneficence
An ethical principle which promotes good and discourages harmful actions towards other human beings. It is historically associated with care giving and doing good for others.
BHO - Behavioral Health Organization
A provider network organization managing a group of mental health centers.
Bilateral
Movement of both sides of the body simultaneously and parallel.
Binocular
Both eyes used simultaneously.
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.
BOCES
Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
Body Scheme
An inner awareness of body parts and how each relates to the other in movement.
Bronchodilator
Type of drug used in respiratory problems to open bronchial tubes to aid in breathing.
Bruno Building
DDRC vocational training facility located at 140 South Union in Lakewood, Colorado. Named after Louis Bruno, former member of the DDRC Board of Directors
