Here is an explanation of some of the common terms you will hear used by service professionals. Thanks to Youth Choice, Youth Voice https://youth-voice.org/glossary/
688 referral - a Chapter 688 referral is to plan for needed adult services for students with severe disabilities. Filing a Chapter 688 referral creates documentation that your student with severe disabilities will need adult services and supports. This documentation alerts Transition Agencies (e.g., the Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Department of Mental Health) and the state legislature regarding the future needs of these students. Filing a Chapter 688 referral sets in motion a two-year planning process for students whose entitlements to special education services will end when they graduate from school or turn 22 years of age. This planning results in the creation of an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) that describes how the student will connect with needed supports and services after exit from school. For more, please see: https://www.doe.mass.edu/specialeducation/iep/688/default.html
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a kind of research-based behavior therapy for people with autism and other developmental disorders. Its goal is to see an increase in positive behaviors and a decrease in negative behaviors. Children can also learn new skills and improve their social interactions. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of ABA.
Advocacy - Advocacy is acting with or on behalf of an individual or group to resolve an issue, obtain a support or service, or promote a change in the practices, policies and/or behaviors of others. Advocacy is essential for promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and for establishing, maintaining, or improving their quality of life.
Alternatives to Guardianship - These are tools other than guardianship that people can use to get the support they need to make tough decisions about their lives.
Benefits - "Public benefits" are government-funded programs that help people get basic life necessities. There are public benefits programs to help people get food, shelter, healthcare, childcare, cash for daily expenses, and support in emergencies. Each program has different procedures, rules, and requirements that you have to meet to qualify. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for several of the public benefits programs.
Caregiver - A caregiver is someone who provides unpaid or paid support for another person who needs help with daily activities due to illness, injury, or disability. These individuals can be family members, friends, or professional healthcare workers who assist with tasks like bathing, dressing, meals, and medical appointments.
There are different types of caregivers, including family caregivers, who are typically unpaid relatives, and professional caregivers, who are trained and employed by agencies. Resources are available for caregivers, such as the Family Caregiver Support Program in Massachusetts, which provides planning assistance and support services.
Caregivers are different than guardians (see definition below)
DDS - The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community. DDS works with adults to connect them with an array of employment and day program supports, community living and other residential aid, and family support. DDS works with children to provide family support and supplement educational services through specialized programs. Services are individualized and planned using a person-centered approach.
Decision-Maker - a person who makes choices about their life. If you make choices about your life, you are a decision-maker!
Financial Management - financial management is how you control the money you have. This Hub has multiple resources to help with financial management including banking and budgeting.
Guardian - the person appointed by the court to make decisions for you. States may use different terms for a guardian, including “conservator.”
Guardianship - Guardianship is a legal term. Guardianship is when a court decides that a person cannot make their own decisions. The court then gives someone else (a guardian) the power to make decisions for the person.
Healthcare - Healthcare is how you manage your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This Hub has multiple resources to help with healthcare including therapy, family support, how to find a doctor, and more!
Independent living - Independent Living is controlling and directing your own life and taking responsibility for your own actions. It is knowing what choices are available and selecting what is right for you. Independent Living means being as self-sufficient as possible. It means taking risks and being allowed to succeed and fail on your own terms.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Form - An IEP is a form a parent must request from Lawrence Public Schools to help them as well as educators and administrators ensure that their student receives the necessary support in a timely manner. The IEP request starts a timeline. More information about LPS timeline may be found here.
Informed Choice - when you get all the information you need to make a decision, like where you live or work. This information can include hearing the experiences from other people who had to make these same choices.
MassAbility - MassAbility breaks down barriers and empowers people with disabilities to live independent lives on their own terms. Their programs and services expand possibilities in careers and training, home and community life, and legal rights and benefits. MassAbility used to be called Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
Mental Health - Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. It is a basic human right. This Hub has multiple resources to help with mental health including ways to access services and treatment.
Postsecondary Education - Postsecondary education refers to the range of formal learning opportunities beyond high school, including those aimed at learning an occupation or earning an academic credential. Going to college or university is often referred to as postsecondary education.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) - Pre-ETS allows youth starting at age 14 to explore employment. These services can be offered through specialized programs available through LPS starting in Grade 11 (such as American Training), but students with IEPs and their families may apply directly to outside Pre-ETS vendors or be referred by a transition specialist beginning at age 14. Here is a list of a few Pre-ETS vendors along with their locations.
Recreation - Recreation is what you do for fun or to relax. It is usually not related to work or school. This Hub has multiple resources for recreation activities available in the Lawrence area.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - SNAP is a federal nutrition program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for Massachusetts residents. SNAP not only offers food assistance but also utility discounts, child care eligibility, as well as training and education opportunities. SNAP used to be called Food Stamps.
Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) - a monthly check from the government. In order to receive this check, the Social Security Administration has to decide that you have a disability that will last longer than a year, you have low income, your disability makes it hard for you to work, or you are over 65.
Supported Decision-Making - a way of making decisions for yourself, with some help. You get to make decisions about your life. You are the decision-maker. The people who help you make decisions are called your supporters. You choose who your supporters are. Your supporters help you understand what your choices are and can give you advice, so you can make your own decisions. Your supporter can tell you that they do not agree with your decision, but your supporter cannot make the decision for you. They can only share their opinion — the decision is always up to you. You do not have to go to court or pay a lawyer to start using supported decision-making. View Video
Transition - Transition planning is helping students with disabilities and their families think about their life after high school. The process helps students identify long-range goals, designing the high school experience to ensure that students gain the skills and connections they need to achieve these goals after high school. People with disabilities between the ages of 14-22 are considered “transition age” in Massachusetts.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) - Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program that helps people who have a disability prepare for, gain, keep or advance in a job. Vocational Rehabilitation services provide individualized coordination of counseling, career planning, training, support services, and job placement appropriate to the employment and life goals of persons with disabilities.
In Massachusetts, VR is now known as Career Services.