Special Education Acronyms

Special Education: It’s All Greek To Me

I remember my first IEP meeting.

I was lost. They were speaking my language, but I did not understand. There are so many acronyms in special education, it is easy to feel completely lost. Let me help you with a list of the most common acronyms (I did not include the acronyms for all the educational assessments – we will need a whole other blog for that). I highlighted the ones you should remember, because you will hear them a lot. Bring the list to your meeting, and do not be afraid to ask them to stop and explain if it is not on the list. Contact our experienced special education attorneys today for assistance.

SPECIAL EDUCATION ACRONYMS

ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
ADD/ADHD – Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
AT – Assistive Technology
BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
DIS – Designated Instruction and Services
ED – Emotional Disturbance
ERMHS – Educationally Related Mental Health Services
FAPE – Free and Appropriate Public Education
FBA – Functional Behavior Assessment
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP – Individualized Education Program (School District)
IEE – Independent Education Evaluation
ITP – Individual Transition Plan
LEA – Local Education Agency
LRE – Least Restrictive Agency
OAH – Office of Administrative Hearings
OHI – Other Health Impaired
OT – Occupational Therapy
PLOP – Present Levels of Performance
PT – Physical Therapy
RTC – Residential Treatment Center
SAI – Special Academic Instruction
SDC – Special Day Class
SLD – Specific Learning Disabilities
SLI – Speech Language Impaired
504 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

TA4N. TY.*

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* TA4N = That’s all for now. TY = Thank you.

** This information is provided for educational purposes and to provide the reader with a general understanding of the basic rights afforded to parents/children under IDEA, not to provide specific legal advice. No attorney client relationship between the reader and Moore Law for Children is created. This information should not be used as a substitute for legal advice as it relates to the specific facts of your or your child’s circumstances or case.