FFRC Glossary

Explore commonly used terms and acronyms related to disability services, education, and family support. This glossary is designed to help families better understand the language used by professionals.

Educational & Legal

IEP – Individualized Education Program
IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan
504 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
RtI – Response to Intervention
SELPA – Special Education Local Plan Area
LEA – Local Education Agency
PWN – Prior Written Notice

Disabilities & Diagnoses

ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
AUT – Autism
ADD/ADHD – Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
ID – Intellectual Disability
DD – Developmental Delay
SLI – Speech/Language Impairment
LD – Learning Disability
OHI – Other Health Impairment
CP – Cerebral Palsy
DS – Down Syndrome
D/HH – Deaf / Hard of Hearing
VI – Visual Impairment

Therapies & Supports

OT – Occupational Therapy
PT – Physical Therapy
SLP – Speech/Language Pathologist
AT – Assistive Technology
ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis
BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
FBA – Functional Behavior Assessment
ESY – Extended School Year

Agencies & Programs

RC – Regional Center
DDS – Department of Developmental Services
CCS – California Children’s Services
DPSS – Department of Public Social Services
DCFS – Department of Children and Family Services
DMH – Department of Mental Health
DOR – Department of Rehabilitation
FEC – Family Empowerment Center
CSUN – California State University, Northridge
FFRC – Family Focus Resource Center
IHSS – In‑Home Supportive Services
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
Medi‑Cal – California Medicaid program
TLCC – Teaching, Learning & Counseling Consortium
LRC – Learning Resource Center
NCOD – National Center on Deafness
NLACRC – North Los Angeles County Regional Center