Transition Acronyms

Also, see Acronyms & Definitions

ABLE:

The Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (P.L. 113-295) added Section 529A to the federal tax code to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-exempt account that may be used for qualified disability expenses while still keeping their eligibility for federal public benefits.

For more information: https://maryland529.com/MDABLE

Career Academy:

A special program within a high school that are designed to help students explore specific careers while still completing their regular coursework. These academies focus on particular fields, like health care, technology, or business, and offer courses, hands-on training, and sometimes internships related to those careers. Students can take courses within a school-based academy even if they do not intend on taking all of them. 

Coordinator of Community Services (CCS):

Coordinator of Community Services (formerly known as Service Coordinator or Resource Coordinator) — a case manager who supports people in learning about and connecting to resources in their community, planning for their future and assessing the need for services and supports.

Community First Choice (CFC):

A program created by Section 2401 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that allows states the option to offer certain community-based services as a state plan benefit to individuals who meet an institutional level of care.

Maryland’s CFC program offers personal assistance, supports planning, nurse monitoring, personal emergency response systems, transition services, and items that substitute for human assistance such as technology and environmental adaptations. Services are provided in the eligible individual’s home or community residence.

Learn more here: https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/longtermcare/Pages/Community-First-Choice.aspx

Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) Program:

This program was previously known as Medical Assistance Personal Care or MAPC. CPAS provides assistance with activities of daily living, nurse monitoring and supports planning to Medicaid recipients. Services are provided in the eligible individual’s home or community residence

Find more information here: https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/longtermcare/SiteAssets/SitePages/Community%20First%20Choice/CPAS%20Fact%20Sheet%2010.14.15.pdf

Community Options Waiver (CO):

This waiver became effective January 6, 2014 and serves adults aged 18 years and older. It provides assisted living, senior center plus, family training, behavioral consultation, and case management services.

Find more information here: https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/longtermcare/SiteAssets/SitePages/Community%20First%20Choice/HCBOW%20Fact%20Sheet%2011.17.15.pdf

Crisis Prevention (CP):

The second priority category for services funded by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). People in this category have been determined to have an urgent need for services, but do not qualify for Crisis Resolution. The person qualifies for this category by meeting one or more criteria as stated in the regulations.

Crisis Resolution (CR):

The top priority category for services funded by DDA. To qualify for this category, the person has to be in crisis by meeting one or more criteria as stated in the regulations.

Current Request (CU):

The third or lowest priority category for services funded by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). To qualify for this category, the applicant shall indicate at least a current need for services.

Day Supports:

Services which provide structured daily activities for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are several options under these services:

Day Habilitation – teaches skills for employment and/or community living. The service is designed for each individual and his or her goals for employment. You will take part in activities in places other than you home  for the majority of the day. Day habilitation services are intended to   increase independence and develop and maintain motor skills, communication skills, and personal hygiene skills related to specific habilitation  goals  that  lead  to  opportunities  for  integrated employment.

Supported Employment – designed to assist you with accessing and maintaining paid employment in the  community.

Community Learning Services – activities, special assistance, support, and education to help individuals whose age, disability, or circumstances currently limits their ability to be employed and/or participate in activities in their communities. They assist you in developing the skills and social supports necessary to gain, retain, or advance in employment.

Employment Discovery and Customization – Employment discovery and customization services are designed to help access employment or explore the possibilities and impact of work. These are time-limited activities, which include assessment, discovery, customization, and training activities.

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA):

The agency that provides funding and services to eligible individuals. The agency is part of the Maryland Department of Health.

Find more information here: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/home.aspx

DDA-funded Services:

Any services which are purchased with the use of state (and, in some instances, federal) money through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

DDA-Elligible:

One of two DDA eligibility categories for in which a person needs to meet the following criteria: Have a physical or mental condition other than a sole diagnosis of mental illness. The disability is considered severe and chronic in nature. The disability was manifested before the age of 22. The disability results in the person being unable to live independently. The person needs assistance to plan and coordinate services. “DD” eligibility is required for accessing the Community Pathways waiver and the full range of services funded by the DDA.

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS):

A state funded agency that provides leadership and support to enable individuals with disabilities to live independently. DORS helps people with physical, emotional, intellectual, developmental, sensory and learning disabilities go to work and keep their jobs by providing services such as career assessment and counseling, assistive technology, job training, higher education and job placement. 

Website: http://dors.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Department of Social Services (DSS):

Social services are managed by local county/city governments. Throughout the State, the Family Investment Administration and the Social Services Administration of the Department of Human Services oversee social services programs such as adoption; foster care; protective services to children, adults, and families; public assistance; and services to families with children. The local department of social services, funded by State government, administers public assistance programs for low-income Marylanders and those suffering economic hardships. These include the Supplemental Nutrition Program (formerly Food Stamps); the Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid); the Maryland Energy Assistance Program; and the Temporary Cash Assistance Program. In addition, local departments of social services also offer child care subsidy; child support enforcement; emergency food provision; and housing and employment assistance. With local organizations, social services departments work to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and even general education development (GED) courses.

Find your local office here: http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/social.html#local

Eligibility Determination Division (EDD):

Determines financial eligibility for Medicaid under the waiver. EDD will review assets, income, and medical expenses and apply special financial eligibility rules under the waiver. Individuals must apply to the waiver regardless of their income and assets.

Enclave:

A group of individuals working at the same community-based site with direct supervision.

Family Support Services (F/ISS):

The assistance provided to individuals under age 21 to enable participation in the community. They make use of resources available in the community while, building on existing support network. Supports may include: assistance locating and accessing education, recreational and social activities, and roommates of the individual’s choosing; providing training related to finances, including money management, banking, and tax preparation; training, facilitating opportunities and accompanying you to acquire self-advocacy and independent living skills.

Find more information here: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Developments/2015/Participant%20Guide%20to%20DDA%20Services_(4-18-2014)%20FINAL.pdf

Home & Community-based Services (HCBS):

Provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community rather than institutions or other isolated settings. These programs serve a variety of targeted populations groups, such as people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illnesses. Maryland Home and Community Based Waiver Programs

Individual Support Services (ISS):

Assistance provided to individuals over 21 and their families to enable greater participation in the community and enhance quality of life. Supports may include assistance locating and accessing education, recreational and social activities, and roommates of the individual’s choosing; providing training related to finances, including money management, banking, and tax preparation; training, facilitating opportunities and accompanying you to acquire self-advocacy and independent living skills.

Individual Plan (IP):

The Individual Plan (IP) is the foundation and roadmap of an individual’s services and supports. The IP shall be developed by utilizing a person-centered planning methodology based on the preference of the individual. Individual plans should incorporate natural supports as well as addressing ways to assist the individual in developing various types of relationships which may increase their natural support system.

IPE:

Individual Plan for Employment (division of rehabilitation services)

ISP:

Individual Service Plan (individual support service provider)

Job Coach:

A person who provides job training for a worker in a competitive location.

Low Intensity Support Services (LISS):

LISS funding is designed to improve an individual or family’s quality of life, increase or maintain independence, and participate in their communities. The LISS program uses an automated system called the Random Selection Process (lottery) to select individuals who may be eligible for funding, granting up to $2000 for services and items to address their needs. For more information, including how to apply:

https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/liss.aspx

Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD):

Authorized by Senate Bill 188 in 2004, the Maryland Department of Disabilities is charged with unifying and improving the delivery of services to people with disabilities by working collaboratively with all state government agencies; and develops and facilitates the implementation of the State Disabilities Plan, calling for collaborative partnerships with state agencies to improve services for people with disabilities.

Maryland Department of Health  (MDH):

Formerly known and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) the Maryland Department of Health serves to promote and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement. MDH has four major divisions – Public Health Services, Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Health Care Financing.

Medicaid/Medical Assistance:

A program, funded by the federal and state governments, which pays for medical care for low-income individuals or families, as well as elderly or disabled individuals. To receive Medicaid, an individual must meet certain financial requirements and also must go through an application process.

To learn more about Maryland’s Medicaid Program and how to apply: http://dhr.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/medical-assistance/

Medicaid State Plan:

A written agreement between a State and the Federal Government that outlines Medicaid eligibility standards, provider requirements, payment methods, and health benefit packages. A Medicaid State Plan is submitted by each State and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Medical Day Care:

Provides monitoring and therapies in a structured setting for people who have a medical need. Therapies are provided based on the need of the person being served. In some cases, attending medical day care on a temporary basis can help someone regain skills after a serious medical incident. These programs are not restricted to DDA funded agencies. There are generic programs, usually run by the aging service community, which may be accessed by people with disabilities.

Learn more here: https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/longtermcare/Pages/Medical-Day-Care-Services.aspx

Personal Supports:

A DDA service that provides regular personal assistance and support that enhance a person’s opportunity for community participation and enables them to exercise choice and control over their lifestyles. Personal Supports can be provided in a person’s home, family home or in the community. Services may include: bathing, toileting, eating & preparing meals, dressing and changing clothes and light housework (including laundry).

See DDA’s Guide to Services more details: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Developments/2015/Participant%20Guide%20to%20DDA%20Services_(4-18-2014)%20FINAL.pdf

Provider Agency:

Term that refers to licensed DDA providers who provide a variety services. For a list of licensed DDA providers here: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/providers.aspx

Respite Care:

Short-term care provided to a person for the purpose of providing relief for the parent or primary caregivers. Respite care can mean many things to a parent/caregiver: time to relax, time to spend alone, time to spend with other family members, or assistance when emergency care is needed.