Acronyms of Special Education (ABC’s)
I thought I left the world of Acronyms of Special Education when I retired from the military! Little did I know that special education has a language of its own.
I have had to translate for my husband in almost all of our special education meetings. It can feel like everyone is speaking a foreign language in the room.
This list will help you understand special education meetings in the future. This list doesn’t include every acronym, but it’s a great start to some of the most commonly used acronyms.
I recommend printing this out to use as a reference tool in meetings. It's also useful when filling out formal paperwork involving your child’s IEP.
Why are there SOOO Many Acronyms?
Almost everything is abbreviated in special education. It does get easier, but it can make the entire process much more stressful. When in doubt, ask what the word or acronym means.
Speak up and ask for an explanation to help you better understand what your child’s IEP or 504 plan entails.
Take notes and keep track of everything. That’s why it’s so important to make an IEP binder and keep every document in it.
Navigating the world of special education becomes much easier when you're familiar with the acronyms of special education, which serve as essential keys to understanding and advocating for the rights and services available to students.
Here is a List of Acronyms of Special Education
504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
ABA Applied Behavior Analysis
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADD Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
APE Adapted Physical Education
APR Annual Performance Report
ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASL American Sign Language
AT Assistive Technology
BD Behavioral Disorder
BIP Behavior Intervention Plan
BOE Board of Education
CBI Community Based Instruction
CI Cognitive Impairment (can be mild, moderate, or severe)
CP Cerebral Palsy
DB Deaf Blindness
DD Developmental Disability
DOE Department of Education
EC Early Childhood
ECDD Early Childhood Developmental Delay
ECSE Early Childhood Special Education
FAPE Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA Functional Behavioral Assessment
ID Intellectual Disability
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP Individualized Education Plan
LD Learning Disability
LEA Local Education Agency
LRE Least Restrictive Environment
MDE Multidisciplinary Evaluation
MDR Manifestation Determination Review
MDT Multidisciplinary Team
NCLB No Child Left Behind
NEA National Education Association
OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCR Office of Civil Rights
ODD Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OHI Other Health Impairment
OI Orthopedic Impairment
OSE Office of Special Education
OT Occupational Therapy
PCA Personal Care Attendant
PD Physical Disability
PIP Program Improvement Plan
PLAAFP Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
PLEP/PLP Present Levels of Performance
PP Paraprofessional
PT Physical Therapist
RS Related Services
RTI Response to Intervention
SDI Speech Language Impairment
SEA State Educational Agency
SEP Special Education Plan
SLD Specific Learning Disability
TBI Traumatic Brain Injury
VI Visual Impairment
VR Vocational Rehabilitation
Understanding the alphabet soup of special education acronyms can feel overwhelming. Still, with some practice and a handy reference guide, you’ll soon be navigating the world of IEPs, FAPE, and IDEA like a pro.
Remember, these acronyms represent important services and protections designed to support students and ensure they receive the best possible education.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, familiarizing yourself with these terms empowers you to support the students in your life better.
Keep this guide handy, stay informed, and continue advocating for the education every child deserves.
Happy learning!
