Glossary of Terms and Acronym Decoder

Overview

If you’ve ever sat in a meeting and nodded along while secretly wondering what half the acronyms meant, this page is for you. The disability services world runs on abbreviations, and learning the language is one of the first steps to navigating the system with confidence.

This glossary covers the terms and acronyms used most frequently in disability services, special education, government benefits, housing, and legal rights, organized alphabetically for quick reference. A printable version is available below.

Download the Printable Glossary (PDF) →

A

ABLE Account (Achieving a Better Life Experience)
A tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities that began before age 46. Funds in an ABLE account are exempt from the SSI $2,000 asset limit (up to $100,000) and can be used for qualified disability expenses. Washington’s program is the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan. See Washington ABLE Savings Plan

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
A therapy approach based on the science of behavior and learning, commonly used with individuals with autism. ABA identifies and changes environmental factors that influence behavior, with the goal of increasing useful behaviors and decreasing harmful ones.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
A federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and government services. Signed into law in 1990. See ADA Rights for Service Animals → | How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation →

ADL (Activities of Daily Living)
Routine self-care tasks used to assess a person’s level of independence and support needs typically including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (moving from bed to chair, etc.), and continence.

AFH (Adult Family Home)
A licensed residential home serving up to six adults who need support with daily living. AFHs are regulated by Washington State’s Residential Care Services division and may be certified to serve DDA clients.

ALJ (Administrative Law Judge)
An independent judge who presides over administrative hearings, including DSHS benefit appeals and Social Security disability hearings. An ALJ’s decision is binding on the agency unless appealed further.

Apple Health
Washington State’s name for Medicaid, the state and federally funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. See Apple Health / Medicaid →

AMI (Area Median Income)
The midpoint income for a geographic area, used to determine eligibility for many housing and benefit programs. Programs often set eligibility at a percentage of AMI, for example, 80% AMI or 50% AMI.

B

BFHD (Benton Franklin Health District)
The public health authority serving all of Benton and Franklin Counties, offering immunizations, WIC, early childhood programs, developmental screening referrals, and public health services. See BFHD →

BOA (Board of Appeals)
The DSHS Board of Appeals is the next level of review after an Administrative Law Judge decision in a DSHS benefits dispute. Families have 21 days from an ALJ decision to request BOA review.

C

CARE Assessment (Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evaluation)
The standardized tool used by DSHS, through DDA and HCS, to evaluate an individual’s functional abilities and determine what level of support services are needed and authorized.

CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)
An international accreditation body that evaluates and certifies rehabilitation and human services organizations. CAA is CARF-accredited. CARF accreditation signals a commitment to quality, accountability, and outcomes.

CBA (Cost Benefit Analysis)
In the context of CAA’s Employment Services, refers to employer-facing documentation analyzing the value of inclusive hiring.

CDC (Children’s Developmental Center)
A Richland-based nonprofit providing early intervention, pediatric therapy, and ABA services for infants, toddlers, and children with developmental disabilities. See Children’s Developmental Center →

CES (Coordinated Entry System)
Washington State’s system for connecting people experiencing homelessness to housing resources. In Benton and Franklin Counties, administered through Community Action Connections (CAC).

CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education Advice and Referral)
The statewide legal hotline operated by Northwest Justice Project — the main entry point for free civil legal help in Washington State. Call 1-888-201-1014 weekdays, 9:15 AM–12:15 PM. See Northwest Justice Project →

COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment)
An annual adjustment to Social Security benefits (SSI and SSDI) based on the Consumer Price Index. The 2026 COLA was 2.8%.

D

DAC (Disabled Adult Child)
A Social Security benefit for individuals who become disabled before age 22 and whose parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits. DAC benefits are based on the parent’s work record, not the individual’s own.

DAR (Dial-A-Ride)
Ben Franklin Transit’s door-to-door ADA paratransit service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using the fixed-route bus system. Requires eligibility certification. See Dial-A-Ride →

DCR (Designated Crisis Responder)
A Washington State-certified mental health professional with legal authority to evaluate individuals for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization under the Involuntary Treatment Act. Available through Comprehensive Healthcare’s Crisis Center in Kennewick. See Benton-Franklin Crisis Response Unit →

DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration)
Washington State’s primary agency funding and coordinating services for individuals with developmental disabilities — including employment support, respite care, community inclusion, and residential services. Part of DSHS. See DDA →

DDEFT (Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund)
A Washington State trust fund providing grants to individuals with developmental disabilities for services and supports not otherwise funded. Available to DDA-enrolled individuals.

DSB (Department of Services for the Blind)
A Washington State agency providing vocational rehabilitation, independent living training, and employment support specifically for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or have low vision. See DSB →

DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services)
Washington State’s primary social services agency, administering DDA, DVR, HCS, Medicaid, SNAP, and many other programs. Most services families access flow through DSHS divisions.

DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation)
A Washington State agency providing employment-focused services for individuals whose disability creates a barrier to work — including vocational counseling, job coaching, assistive technology, and Pre-ETS for students. Part of DSHS. See DVR →

E

EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)
The card system used to distribute food assistance (Basic Food/SNAP) and WIC benefits. The Washington Quest Card is Washington’s EBT card.

ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program)
Washington State’s pre-kindergarten program for income-eligible children — free and focused on school readiness. Administered locally through ESD 123 and Head Start providers.

ESA (Emotional Support Animal)
An animal that provides therapeutic benefit through its presence to a person with a mental health or psychiatric disability. ESAs are not service animals and do not have ADA public access rights, but are protected in housing under the Fair Housing Act. See Service Animal vs. ESA vs. Therapy Animal →

ESD 123 (Educational Service District 123)
The regional educational support agency serving 23 school districts across Southeastern Washington, providing special education services, early intervention, school psychology, and more. See ESD 123 →

ESIT (Early Support for Infants and Toddlers)
Washington State’s early intervention program for children birth through age 2 with developmental delays or disabilities. Enrolling in ESIT automatically enrolls the child in DDA. See ESD 123 →

ESY (Extended School Year)
Special education services provided beyond the regular school year to prevent significant skill regression for students with disabilities. IEP teams must consider ESY for every eligible student.

F

FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
A core guarantee of IDEA, every eligible child with a disability is entitled to a free public education designed to meet their individual needs, at no cost to the family.

FCS (Foundational Community Supports)
A Washington State Medicaid program providing supported employment and supportive housing services to individuals with complex health needs, broader than DDA, serving individuals with mental health conditions, substance use histories, and physical disabilities. See FCS →

FHA (Fair Housing Act)
A federal law prohibiting housing discrimination based on disability, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, and familial status. Requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations and allow reasonable modifications. See Fair Housing Rights →

FPL (Federal Poverty Level)
Income thresholds established annually by the federal government, used to determine eligibility for many benefit programs. Many programs use percentages of FPL (e.g., 150% FPL, 200% FPL) as income limits.

FUP (Family Unification Program)
A HUD program providing Section 8 vouchers to families where lack of housing is a primary factor in child welfare involvement, or to youth aging out of foster care. Referral-based through certified state agencies.

G

GAU (General Assistance — Unemployable)
A Washington State cash assistance program for adults who are temporarily unable to work due to a disability or other condition and don’t qualify for SSI or SSDI.

H

HCA (Health Care Authority)
The Washington State agency administering Apple Health (Medicaid), Foundational Community Supports, and other state health programs.

HCS (Home and Community Services)
A DSHS division coordinating long-term care services for adults with disabilities and older adults including personal care, supported living, and in-home assistance. HCS case managers conduct CARE assessments and authorize services. See HCS →

HCV (Housing Choice Voucher)
The formal name for a Section 8 rental assistance voucher, a tenant-based subsidy that allows income-eligible households to rent private market housing with the government paying the difference between 30% of income and the market rent.

HISA Grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations)
A VA grant for veterans with disabilities covering medically necessary home modifications — up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities.

HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
The federal agency overseeing housing assistance programs including Section 8 / HCV, public housing, and fair housing enforcement.

HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing)
A program combining Section 8 housing vouchers with VA case management for homeless veterans.

I

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
The federal law guaranteeing eligible children with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. IDEA governs IEPs, special education evaluations, and parent rights in schools. See Special Education Rights →

IEP (Individualized Education Program)
The legal document developed by a team including parents, teachers, and specialists that outlines a student’s special education services, goals, accommodations, and placement. Must be reviewed at least annually. See Special Education Rights →

IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan)
The early intervention equivalent of an IEP, a plan developed for children birth through age 2 in ESIT, focused on family-centered goals and services.

IFS (Individual and Family Services)
A DDA waiver program providing limited services to eligible individuals who don’t receive other DDA waiver services, including Environmental Adaptations (home modifications).

ITA (Involuntary Treatment Act)
Washington State law governing the involuntary psychiatric evaluation and hospitalization of individuals who are a danger to themselves or others. Designated Crisis Responders can initiate ITA proceedings.

L

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
A federally funded program providing heating bill assistance to income-eligible households, administered locally by Community Action Connections in Benton and Franklin Counties. See Utility Assistance →

LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
A core IDEA principle requiring that students with disabilities be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Placement decisions must be justified when a student is removed from the general education setting.

LTCRR (Long-Term Care Resident Rights)
A new DRW program (launched January 5, 2026) providing free legal assistance to Medicaid recipients threatened with discharge from community-based long-term care facilities. See Disability Rights Washington →

M

NAID AAA (National Association for Information Destruction)
A certification for secure destruction companies, the highest level of certification in the document destruction industry. CAA’s social enterprise CIIM holds NAID AAA certification.

NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation)
Medicaid-funded transportation to health care appointments for Apple Health cardholders. In Benton and Franklin Counties, arranged through People For People.

NED (Non-Elderly Disabled)
A category of Section 8 housing vouchers specifically reserved for non-elderly households where the head, co-head, or spouse has a disability.

O

OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings)
The independent Washington State agency conducting administrative hearings for DSHS benefit disputes, separate from DSHS itself. See How to Appeal a Denied Benefit →

OEO (Office of the Education Ombuds)
A Washington State office providing free, neutral, confidential support to families experiencing difficulties communicating with their school district about special education. See Special Education Advocacy →

OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
Washington State’s primary K–12 education agency which oversees special education compliance, dispute resolution, and family guidance statewide.

P

P&A (Protection and Advocacy)
A federally mandated network of nonprofit organizations, one in every state, with specific authority to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. Washington’s P&A is Disability Rights Washington (DRW).

PAP (Patient Assistance Program)
Pharmaceutical manufacturer programs providing free or low-cost medications to patients who can’t afford them. Searchable through NeedyMeds. See NeedyMeds →

PABSS (Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security)
A DRW program supporting individuals with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI and face employment barriers.

PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment)
Washington State’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center — the primary free support organization for families navigating special education. See Special Education Advocacy →

PCSP (Person-Centered Service Plan)
An individualized plan developed with a DDA client that identifies their goals, strengths, and the specific services and supports that will help them achieve those goals. Updated regularly with the DDA case manager.

PHA (Public Housing Authority)
A local government agency administering federal housing assistance programs including Section 8 and public housing. In the Tri-Cities: Kennewick Housing Authority (KHA) and Housing Authority of the City of Pasco and Franklin County (HACPFC).

POA (Power of Attorney)
A legal document in which a person voluntarily gives another person authority to make decisions on their behalf — financial, medical, or both. Must be established while the person has legal capacity. See Guardianship and Alternatives →

Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services)
DVR-funded services for students with disabilities ages 14–21 — including job exploration, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and work-based learning. Does not require a full DVR application. See DVR → | CAA Student Services →

PTI (Parent Training and Information Center)
Federally funded centers providing free training, information, and support to families of children with disabilities navigating education systems. Washington’s PTI is PAVE.

PWN (Prior Written Notice)
A written notice schools must provide any time they propose to change or refuse to change a student’s identification, evaluation, placement, or services under IDEA. Must include the reason for the decision. See Special Education Rights →

R

Representative Payee
A person or organization appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive and manage Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI) on behalf of someone who needs help managing their payments.

RCW (Revised Code of Washington)
Washington State’s compiled body of law. When a resource cites “RCW” followed by a number, it refers to a specific section of Washington State statute.

S

SAH Grant (Specially Adapted Housing)
A VA grant for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities, up to $126,526 (FY2026), for purchasing, building, or modifying a permanent home.

SDM / SDMA (Supported Decision-Making / Supported Decision-Making Agreement)
An alternative to guardianship in which an individual with a disability retains all legal rights and designates trusted supporters to help them understand options and make decisions. Formally recognized in Washington State law since January 1, 2022. See Supported Decision-Making →

SHEAP (State Home Energy Assistance Program)
A Washington State energy assistance program funded through the Climate Commitment Act and available to income-eligible households regardless of immigration status. Administered by Community Action Connections. See Utility Assistance →

SNT (Special Needs Trust)
A legal trust that holds assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without affecting their eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. An essential financial planning tool for families.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
The federal food assistance program called Basic Food in Washington State. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and used at participating grocery stores. See Basic Food / SNAP →

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
A federal program providing monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities (or age 65+) who have limited income and resources. Does not require a work history. Maximum federal benefit in 2026: $994/month. See SSI / SSDI →

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
A federal insurance program providing monthly benefits to individuals with a qualifying work history who become unable to work due to a disability. Based on prior earnings, not financial need. See SSI / SSDI →

T

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
A federal and state cash assistance program for families with children who have very low income. Washington State administers TANF through DSHS.

TAP (Transitional Assistance Program)
A component of Washington’s FCS Supportive Housing program providing one-time funds for move-in costs, deposits, first and last month’s rent for eligible enrollees.

V

VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)
A broad term for state programs helping individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. In Washington, DVR and DSB are both vocational rehabilitation agencies serving different populations.

W

WLAD (Washington Law Against Discrimination)
Washington State’s anti-discrimination law, which in many areas provides stronger protections than federal law — including protecting source of income (SSI, Section 8) as a basis that landlords cannot use to refuse tenancy.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
A federal nutrition assistance program for pregnant women, new parents, infants, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines. Provides monthly food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. In the Tri-Cities: available through BFHD and TCCH. See WIC →

WSHRC (Washington State Human Rights Commission)
The state agency enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination — including fair housing, fair employment, and public accommodation violations. See Fair Housing Rights →

Quick-Reference: Most Common Acronyms

Download the Printable Glossary (PDF) →