Glossary Terms

Acronyms and Terms - Clearly Defined

Understanding the language used in disability services can feel overwhelming. This glossary provides clear, straightforward definitions of common terms and acronyms to help individuals, families, and caregivers navigate services with confidence.

Terms & Definitions

ACF – Alternative Care Facility
A residential setting that provides care and support for adults with disabilities in a structured, home-like environment.

AFC – Adult Foster Care
A residential model where individuals live in a family-style home and receive support from a trained provider.

ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
A federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensures equal access to opportunities and services.

ADLs – Activities of Daily Living
Everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Support with ADLs helps individuals maintain independence and quality of life.

APS – Adult Protective Services
A program that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults and helps ensure their safety.

ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
A developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction, with varying levels of support needs.

BISSP – Behavioral Intervention and Support Plan
A personalized plan that outlines strategies to support positive behaviors and address specific behavioral needs.

CCB – Community Centered Board
A local organization that coordinates services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

CLR – Comprehensive Life Review
An evaluation process used to better understand an individual’s needs, preferences, and goals to guide service planning.

CM – Case Manager
A professional who helps coordinate services, supports, and resources for individuals receiving care.

CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant
A trained health care professional who provides basic care and support under the supervision of a nurse.

DD – Developmental Disability
A lifelong disability that affects physical, learning, language, and/or behavioral development.

DD Waiver
A Medicaid program that provides funding for home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

DIDD – Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
A state agency that oversees services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DSP – Direct Support Professional
A caregiver who provides day-to-day support, helping individuals build skills and engage in their community.

DVR – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
A program that helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

EPSDT – Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment
A Medicaid benefit that ensures children and young adults receive appropriate preventive and healthcare services.

FCG – Family Caregiver
A family member who provides care and support to an individual with a disability.

HCBS – Home and Community-Based Services
Services that allow individuals to receive care in their home or community rather than in institutional settings.

HHAF – Home Health Aide for Family
Support services that assist family caregivers in providing care at home.

HHP – Host Home Provider
An individual or family who provides care and a home environment for someone with a disability.

HRC – Human Rights Committee
A group that helps ensure the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving services are protected.

IDD – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
A group of conditions that affect cognitive functioning and adaptive skills.

IDT – Interdisciplinary Team
A team of professionals who collaborate to develop and support an individual’s care plan.

IHSS – In-Home Support Services
Services provided in a person’s home to support daily living and independence. This is a part of the Colorado EBD (Elderly, Blind and Disabled) Waiver.

IP – Individual Plan
A personalized plan outlining goals, services, and supports for an individual.

IRSS - Individual Residential Services and Supports
Services provided in a person’s home to support daily living and independence. This is a part of the Colorado DD (Developmental Disability) Waiver.

ISSP – Individual Service and Support Plan
A detailed plan that defines the specific services and supports an individual will receive.

LTC – Long-Term Care
Ongoing support and services for individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities.

MANE – Mistreatment, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Terms used to describe harm or risk to vulnerable individuals that must be reported and addressed.

MI – Mental Illness
A condition that affects a person’s thinking, mood, or behavior and may require support or treatment.

PA – Personal Assistance
Support with daily activities to help individuals live as independently as possible.

PAR – Prior Authorization Request
Approval required from an insurance provider or program before certain services are delivered.

PASA – Program Approved Service Agency
An organization approved to provide services under specific state programs.

PCA – Personal Care Alternative
A service option that allows individuals more flexibility in how they receive personal care.

PMIP – Professional Medical Information Page
A document that provides important medical and care-related information for an individual.

PNF – Personal Needs Funds
Money allocated to individuals for personal expenses and daily needs.

PRS – Person Receiving Services
An individual who is actively receiving care or support services.

SIS – Supports Intensity Scale
An assessment tool used to determine the level of support an individual needs.

SLS – Supported Living Services
Services that help individuals live independently in their community.

SNF – Skilled Nursing Facility
A healthcare setting that provides medical care and support from licensed professionals.

SP – Service Plan
A document outlining the services and supports an individual will receive.

SSA – Social Security Administration
The federal agency that administers Social Security benefits.

SSI – Supplemental Security Income
A federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and disabilities.

TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
A brain injury that can impact cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning and may require ongoing support.