For your reference, listed below are some common acronyms associated with Down syndrome and the “special needs world.” A good glossary of terms can also be found in the Regional Center’s “A Parent’s Guide to Services,” which is available from your service coordinator.
Acronym
:
Meaning
:
ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
APE – adaptive physical education
ARC – Association for Retarded Citizens
CAC – Community Advisory Committee
CCS – California Children Services
CDE – California Department of Education
DD – Developmental Disability
DDS – Department of Developmental Services
DS – Down syndrome
DSAOC - Down Syndrome Association of Orange county
DCFS – Department of Child and Family Services
DSS – Department of Social Services
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
FRC – Family Resource Center
FSN – Family Support Network
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP – Individualized Education Plan (School District)
IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan
IHSS – In home service support
IPP – Individual Program Plan
LRE – least restrictive environment
MR – mental retardation
NICHCY – National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
