Alphabet soup – Acronyms in the Developmental Disability Community
Understanding the language of the developmental disability service system
The use of the primary letters, in the often lengthy terms and titles that comprise the vocabulary of the developmental disability service system, has almost become a language of its own. Learning to speak and understand this language is critical to functioning within the system. Developmental disability community members who spend their days repeatedly using this shorthand form of communication often forget that not everyone “speaks” their language. It can especially represent a barrier for families who do not use these terms on a routine basis or who are trying to learn and navigate the system. At the end of a recent presentation to families by a state agency, a mother stood up and said, “You’ve used all of these letters – DDD, DDS, PPP, PPL, ISP, DSP – what do they all mean?” The presenters had lost a critical opportunity to educate this family member about services, because like many of us, they had forgotten that not everyone speaks the acronym-laced language of the developmental disability community.
If you’ve ever wondered what some of those letters mean or you need a “cheat sheet” for that next meeting or conversation, here is a list that should be helpful:
Describing an individual’s disability:
DD – Developmental Disability
ID – Intellectual Disability
I/DD – Intellectual/Developmental Disability
CP – Cerebral Palsy
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
New Jersey sources of services and supports:
DHS– Department of Human Services
DHS Divisions:
DDD – Division of Developmental Disabilities
Acronyms frequently used by DDD:
HCBS Home and Community Based Services
SP – Supports Program
CCP – Community Care Program
SC – Support Coordinator
SD – Self-Directed
FFS – Fee for Service
ISP – Individualized Service Plan
Formerly used plan types:
ELP – Essential Lifestyle Plan
IHP – Individual Habilitation Plan
DDS – Division of Disability Services
Administered by DDS:
PPP- Personal Preference Program
PASP – Personal Assistance Services Program
DVRS – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
DCF – Department of Children and Families
CSOC – Division of Children’s System of Care
ASO – Administrative Service Organization (PerformCare under DCF-CSOC)
Federal income sources:
SSI Supplemental Security Income
DAC Disabled Adult child
For school age children:
IEP – Individual Education Plan
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
PRISE – Parental Rights in Special Education
Advocacy organizations:
DRNJ – Disability Rights NJ
NJCDD – NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities
FSCNJ – Family Support Coalition of New Jersey or Family Support Center of New Jersey
SPAN – Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (under 21)
For adults living in the community:
SHC – Supportive Housing Corporation
DCA – Department of Community Affairs
SRAP – State Rental Assistance Program
SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps)
USF – Universal Service Fund (utility assistance)
LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (heating and cooling assistance)
Miscellaneous:
DSP – Direct Support Professional (formerly caregiver, support staff, etc.)
PPL – Public Partnerships Limited (Fiscal Intermediary for DHS)
MCO – Managed Care Organization
ADL – Activities of Daily Living
This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are new acronyms popping up seemingly every day. As we attempt to navigate complicated systems and act as advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities, it is important that we all speak the same language. It can definitely be a challenge to remember what all those letters represent, but it is imperative to know their meaning in order to assure appropriate outcomes and opportunities within the developmental disability community.
