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GLOSSARY
We understand, developmental disability services include a variety of terms and acronyms that can oftentimes be confusing, especially for those recently diagnosed and their families. Below you will find a glossary of commonly used terms and acronyms when describing County Board services, resources and affiliates.
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504 Plan - A 504 Plan is a plan for how a child will have access to learning at school. It provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child as adequately as other students. A 504 plan is created by a team of people familiar with the child such as a child's parent, general and special education teachers and principal.
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Abuser Registry - The Abuser Registry lists individuals who have committed abuse, neglect misappropriation of funds, a failure to report an incident or who have engaged in improper sexual relations with an individual who has a developmental disability.
Adult Day Supports - These are non-vocational day services provided by provider agencies and typically consist of assessing interests, supports and services provided at centers in the community. Supporting and supervising individuals in the area of personal care include attending to their personal hygiene, eating assistance, communication, mobility and restroom assistance. This support will help ensure a person's ability to experience and participate in community life.
Advocacy - Support for people with developmental disabilities including rights protection, legal and services assistance and system or policy changes. For more about Riverside's advocacy programs, visit our Advocacy page.
Agency Provider - This term refers to an organization that provides services to persons with developmental disabilities. The provider of record is the agency and the direct service can be provided by any member of their organization.
APSI - Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. is an agency that provides guardianship services to people with developmental disabilities, ages 18 and older, who otherwise would not be able to advocate for themselves.
Assessment - A formal or informal evaluation of a person's needs for supports and specialized services. Evaluation findings form the basis for determining a person's level of care (LOC) and for writing a person's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
Assistive Technology - Assistive Technology (AT) can be a device that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. It may also be a service that directly assists a person with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. Examples of AT include: augmentative communication devices that assist a person who cannot communicate through speech and adaptive equipment that assists a person with writing (through an adapted pencil or arm brace) or move objects in the person's environment (through a switch or remote control device).
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Behavior Support Plan (BSP) - This plan defines how services and supports are used to address certain behavior issues a person may experience.
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CARF - The Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities reviews the quality of care in residential facilities. Successful survey results result in a CARF Accreditation.
Case Manager - A case manager is another term for a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) or service coordinator.
CBDD - The County Board of Developmental Disabilities is a political subdivision and its powers and duties are defined in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 5126.05. Ohio has 88 County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, one in each county.
COEDI - The Children's Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI), along with the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI), are tests to determine the a person's eligibility for state and county developmental disabilities services.
COG - Councils of Governments (COG), also called regional council, are a type of regional planning body that represent governments and were created to develop consensus regarding a region's needs and actions to be taken in addressing said needs. COGs are voluntary associations. The Miami County Board of DD is a member of the COG, WestCON.
County Board-eligible - Refers to a person who meets the eligibility requirements that permit a County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) to deliver services.
County Dispute Resolution - An opportunity to dispute an action related to Medicaid or non-Medicaid services with a County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) before a state hearing.
CPT - Cost Projection Tool
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Developmental Center (DC) - Managed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), these centers provide temporary residential placement for adults with developmental disabilities who are receiving services through their County Board, are in crisis and temporarily cannot be served in the community.
Developmental Delays - Refer to conditions that represent a significant delay in the process of child development. The delays may involve cognitive, physical, communicative, social/emotional and adaptive areas of development. Without special intervention, these delays may affect the child's educational performance.
Developmental Disabilities - Chronic disabilities that may be cognitive, physical or both which begin before age 22 and are expected to last a lifetime. *It's important to note that services continue past age 22, the diagnosis simply must be made by then.* Common examples include: intellectual developmental disorder, cerebral palsy, head injuries, autism and spina bifida.
Developmental Specialist - A Developmental Specialist (DS) is an expert in typical and atypical development of children birth through age 3. A DS is often assigned when a child has a delay in more than one developmental area (adaptive, motor, communication, vision, hearing and/or medical).
Disability - A mental or physical condition that is restricting or limiting or interferes with various activities.
Disability Waiver - Disability waivers are issued by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) so that people under age 60 can receive services in their home instead of going to live in a nursing home or hospital.
DODD - The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities began using the DODD acronym starting October 5, 2009 following the passage of Senate Bill 79 removing the terms, "Mental Retardation and" from the state agency's name (replaces ODMRDD acronym).
DRA - Daily Rate Application is a program used in calculating Daily Billing Units.
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Family Support - Persons identified by the person with a disability as either family members or significant others who provide necessary support.
Family Supported Services - Locally-paid services rather than waiver services.
Free Choice of Provider - People have a free choice of provider for all Medicaid services per state rule. Selected providers must be willing to bill Medicaid (IO/L1 Waiver) for services under the current reimbursement rates. Not all providers are Medicaid (IO/L1 Waiver) providers. Your Service and Support Coordinator (SSA) can help you find a provider that accepts your funding.
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Habilitation - Training in life skills, such as housekeeping and cooking, that have not been otherwise learned.
HCBS - A Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver allows a person to get services that are not normally covered under the state's Medicaid plan.
Home Choice - A program that allows for people leaving developmental centers to access some funding to help make the transition to the community.
Home Modifications - Home modifications are adaptations made to a home to allow for easier and safer access for people with specific needs resulting from a disability.
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ICF - An Intermediate Care Facility is a Medicaid-funded residential facility that teaches living skills to help people live in less restrictive environments.
IDS - An Individual Data System is a client-centered data management system that is the single point of access to data collections about people the DODD (Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities) serves and/or supports. The IDS replaced the IIF and goes further to serve as a "parent folder" for all systems applications. It houses all data about a person and allows users to modify multiple records without repeatedly using the client search function.
IFSP - An Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) is a process and document used in Early Intervention (EI) to help your child develop to his/her fullest potential. It is the road map that your Primary Service Provider (PSP) will create to deliver the services and tools that will help your child thrive. It lays out which services and support your child should receive and the corresponding outcomes you and the team hope to achieve for your child.
IHP, ISP OR IP - An Individual Habilitation Plan (IHP), Individual Service Plan (ISP) and Individual Plan (IP) outline what type of training or other supports may be needed to help people gain the living skills they need. An ISP describes all services and supports necessary, regardless of payer source, for a particular person to maintain health and safety and avoid institutionalization. The ISP should explain how each support services is intended to meet a need, as indicated in the most recent assessment of the person's functioning levels, which is completed annually and updated as often as needed.
Independent Living - Independent Living involves the belief that people with disabilities have the same rights and responsibilities as their peers in society. Therefore, services provided to the public should be accessible to persons with disabilities and systems of support should be made available to help people with disabilities live within the community and lead more independent lives.
Independent Provider - This term refers to a Direct Support Professional (DSP), or provider, who is considered independently employed. They cannot sub-contract or send someone else to provide services in their place.
IO Waiver - The Individual Options (IO) Waivers is a Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Medicaid waiver that allows people to receive the services they need in their own homes.
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Job Coach - In supported employment, the Job Coach provides one-on-one training to a person on the job, until that person is able to complete tasks to the employer's satisfaction. As the worker becomes proficient, the Job Coach begins spending less time training him/her. The Job Coach continues to monitor the worker occasionally and is available when needed to assist with retraining and other support that the worker may need.
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L1 Waiver - A Level 1 (L1) Waiver is a Medicaid waiver that offers several different services with set spending limits. Some limits can be changed with prior approval from the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. L1 Waivers cover services including homemaker/personal care, transportation, specialized medical equipment and more.
Least Restrictive Environment - This phrase refers to the preferred environment for a person with a developmental disability that allows him/her the greatest opportunity for personal growth and inclusion alongside peers to the greatest extent appropriate.
LOC - Level of Care (LOC) is a determination of the help needed to guarantee a person's health and safety.
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MBI-WD - Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBI-WD or MBI) is a program that helps people with disabilities who work maintain Medicaid coverage and not lose their benefits.
Medicaid Match - The federal government requires that the state/local government match federal government funds for Medicaid reimbursement services. In Ohio, this is about 60% federal and 40% state match.
MI/DD - This term stands for Mental Illness/Developmental Disabilities and was previously referred to as the "dual diagnosis" reference was MR/MH, an acronym referring to "Mental Retardation/Mental Health."
MUI - Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is the reporting system mandated by Ohio law that sets procedures to review and report allegations of abuse, neglect and other potentially serious incidents that occur in the Developmental Disabilities system.
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NF - A Nursing Facility (NF) is a residential facility that is established pursuant to section 1919 (a) - (d) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicaid-funded services.
NICS - Notification of Individual Change in Status
NMT - Non-Medical Transportation refers to the type of transportation provided to someone to and from their day array or community employment activity. There are many providers in Miami County who are certified to provide this services. (Please see Ohio's provider search tool, Provider Guide Plus, for available providers in our area.)
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ODDP - Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile is an assessment tool for people enrolled in the Individual Options (IO) Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver.
OEDI - The Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) is a diagnostic test for people ages 16 and over to determine a person's eligibility for state and county developmental disabilities services.
Onset Age - The age of a person when a condition, such as a developmental disability, is first found to be present.
ORC - The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) contains the laws of the State of Ohio.
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PAR - Prior Authorization Request
PASRR - Pre-Admission Screening Resident Review is the system used to determine eligibility for nursing facility placement and/or specialized services.
Patient Liability - The amount a consumer owes, per month, toward his/her care. This amount is determined by the Ohio Department of Human Services on an individual basis and is related to a consumer's income.
PAWS - Payment Authorization for Waiver Services is the form that authorizes payment for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver services.
Payee - According to the Social Security Administration, a representative payee is a person or organization appointed to receive the Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who is unable to manage their own benefits. A payee can be a friend or family member or an organizational payee. When choosing a payee, a person should consider someone they feel will support them in participating in managing their money.
PCP - Person-Centered Planning emphasizes the needs and choices of the person when planning services.
People First - People First is an advocacy organization that directly involves people with disabilities in a variety of local, state and national issues, projects and programs. For more about Riverside's advocacy programs, visit our Advocacy page.
PICT - The Preliminary Implementation Component Tool is a tool used by County Boards and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to identify and allocate capacity on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers administered by the Department.
Primary Service Provider - A Primary Service Provider (PSP) is an EI Services team member who will be the family's primary contact for EI Services. This means that while there may be more than one service listed, the PSP is the person that will see the family most often. The PSP is selected by the team based on the needs of the child receiving EI Services and works with the team to deliver services based on the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Provider - A person or agency that delivers services to people with disabilities. For more about Miami County's providers and provider agencies, visit our Providers page.
Provider Agreement - A Provider Agreement is a contract between the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) and a provider of Medicaid services in which the provider agrees to comply with the terms of the provider agreement, ODJFS, state and administrative code.
Provider Pool - A listing of DODD-certified waiver/supported living providers who have expressed an interest to a specific County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) or responded to an RFP to provide waiver/supported living services within the county. The provider pool is maintained by the CBDD and is made available to people receiving services and supports. These people may select a provider who is a member of the pool or may selected a certified provider who is not a member of the pool but who is otherwise qualified to provide supports which the person requires.
Provider Search Tool - The provider search tool can be found on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) website and is a way for families and eligible people to input a set of variables to search for providers in their area. The information provided lets searchers find information about a provider and helps them determine if they would like to use them for services. There are an array of agency and independent providers certified to provide various services in Miami County, visit our Providers page for more information.
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QA - Quality Assurance is a structured method of measuring and documenting quality of services. For more about Riverside's QA, visit our Health & Safety page.
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Redet - Abbreviated version of Redetermination, a process of reassessment of a person's continued eligibility for waiver services. Redetermination activities begin for each person enrolled on a waiver at least three months prior to the date ending his/her current waiver span. New assessments must confirm continued Medicaid eligibility and are to be used as guidelines for writing a new Individual Service Plan (ISP) appropriate for the person's needs as described in the assessment report.
Remote Supports - Remote Supports are a form of assistive technology controlled through a service provider hub that work together to increase a person's privacy and independence while maintaining safety. Remote supports include sensors, intercoms, alarms, call pendants, cameras, wander alerts, safety features for faucets and stoves and other devices. To see which service provider agencies in Miami County offer remote supports, visit our Provider List.
Resident County - A Resident County is the county where a person lives and is used in preparing certain forms.
Resident Number - A Resident Number is assigned by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Information Systems for Identification. The majority of the numbers have seven digits and a few are six digits. Twice a year, each County Board reports on the IDS (Individual Data System) what services, if any, each eligible person residing in that county has received. On the IDS form, this number is called, "client number." Waiver services are not directly related to this number.
Respite Care - A service designed to provide temporary residence for a person with a disability who ordinarily lives with family or friends or to assume temporary responsibility for care of the person in his/her own home. This service provides back-up support, and in some cases relief, to people responsible for the care of a person with an illness or disability who ordinarily lives in their household.
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Self-Advocacy - People with developmental disabilities, either individually or in groups, speaking or acting on behalf of themselves or on behalf of issues that affect people with disabilities. To learn more about Riverside's advocacy programs, visit our Advocacy page.
Self-Determination - An initiative built on the principles of freedom, authority, support, responsibility and confirmation. Self-determination gives people with disabilities the freedom to decide how they will live, work and participate in the community; the authority to decide how they money allocated to them will be spent; the supports that will allow that person to lead the life they choose; the responsibility of assuring that the money they are using is spent in a useful and appropriate manner; and confirmation that the person and his/her family are instrumental in making life decisions and designing the system to help them.
Service Coordination - The management of a person's set of services, typically by a government entity.
Service Coordinator - Another term for a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) or case manager.
SL - Supported Living (SL) is defined as assistance directed toward people with disabilities which enables them to live as independently as possible in their own communities, with supports as they choose.
SSA - A Service and Support Administrator (SSA), also called a service coordinator or case manager, works with people served by the County Board and providers of services to coordinate services. For families who have a member with a disability, the SSA should provide the family with the resources and support they need to ensure their family member with a disability receives services that are essential to their well-being, as well as monitor progress.
State Hearing - An opportunity to dispute an action related to Medicaid before a hearing officer from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS).
State Plan - A term used to describe the services available in Ohio through the Medicaid card.
Supported Employment - Supported Employment is paid employment in community settings for people with disabilities who need ongoing support to perform their work. Support can include on-the-job training, transportation or supervision.
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TCM - Targeted Case Management (TCM) is the coordination of specialized services for a person that helps them get the needed services, evaluates if the services are appropriate and monitors the services. TCM is a Medicaid-reimbursed service.
Transition Planning - A coordinated set of activities focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of a student with disabilities to promote his/her movement from school to post-school activities. These activities can include college, vocational training, employment, adult day services, independent living or community participation. Good transition planning is outcome-oriented and focuses on results that help the student reach post-school goals. For students with disabilities, transition planning occurs during an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting. For more information about Riverside's Transition Services, please visit our Transition Age page.
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Vocational Habilitation - Services designed to teach and reinforce concepts related to work, including responsibility, attendance, task completion, problem solving, social interaction, motor skill development and safety. People in this program earn a paycheck for each piece work they complete. For more information about Riverside's Employment Services, visit our Employment Training & Support page. To view a list of Miami County provider agencies who offer vocational habilitation, visit our Provider page.
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Waiting List - Each County Board of Developmental Disabilities establishes a waiting list when there are not enough resources to meet the needs of everyone requesting services.
Waiver - A waiver is the Medicaid funding tool to pay for staff to provide people with the care they require based upon their assessed needs as identified in their Individual Service Plan (ISP). Medicaid defines home as where the person lives and may include a family residence, congregate setting, foster care or semi-independent setting. A person must qualify for Medicaid and need the same level of care as people who live in a long-term care facility in order to qualify for a waiver. Many of the restrictive requirements using Medicaid monies are usually waived in these programs.
Want more information?
Looking for a term not on this list? Visit the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) glossary for additional terms and acronyms.
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