Glossary of Helpful Terms

Indiana Senate Bill 345 - requires local school boards to approve policies on the use of seclusion and restraints in schools. The policy must outline training for appropriate school personnel on the use of seclusion and restraints when an imminent danger is present, outline a protocol for parental notification when seclusion and restraint is used, use standard definitions for common seclusion and restraint measures and puts for the intent that all students should be treated with dignity and respect in schools. Please click here to see full bill.

ABLE Act - Achieving a Better Life Experience bill introduced as HR 1205 and S493.

Assistive technology - Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

DD – Developmental Disability

Dual enrollment – This means that a student is enrolled in high school and college at the same time.

FSSA - Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

HEOA - The Higher Education Opportunity Act was enacted on August 14, 2008 and reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The act contains important new provisions on Universal Design for learning, professional development and students with intellectual disabilities (ID). The HEOA allows students with and intellectual disability enrolled in programs for such students to access work-study jobs, Pell grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants*. The HEOA authorizes inclusive model comprehensive transition and post-secondary programs and authorizes a new coordinating center.

*The student will still need to meet financial requirements but does not require a regular high school diploma.

ID – Intellectual Disability is a disability that is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual and cognitive functioning and also adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and adaptive skills.

IDEA- This refers to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It is a federal law that mandates a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for ALL students.

IHE’s– Institutes of Higher Education

LEA – Local education agency

NIDRR – The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

OSERS – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (federal level)

UCEDD – University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

UDL - Universal Design for Learning is a method of teaching that takes into account various learning styles so that everyone can learn.

VR- Stands for Vocational Rehabilitation or also Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), a program of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), provides individualized services to aid people with disabilities to become, find or stay employed.