A brain injury that occurs after birth. It can be a result of an internal injury (e.g., tumor, stroke, aneurysm), an external injury (e.g., motor vehicle accident, fall, sports injury) or ingestion of a toxic substance.

A program offered by community colleges for adults who have not completed an eighth-grade education in the public schools. The objectives of the program are increasing basic skills in reading, writing and computation, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills.

Activities designed to prepare adults with developmental disabilities to live and work as independently as possible.

A federal law providing comprehensive civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications. See also the relevant Federal Civil Rights Law section for a brief discussion of the ADA.

A professional field that uses principles of leaning to increase performance of socially desirable behaviors. It always relies upon the collection of objective data to measure performance and the effectiveness of an intervention.

Any physical structure that prevents persons with disabilities from having normal or easy access to a location.

A person with Asperger’s Syndrome usually has normal intelligence and language development. The person may have problems with social skills, handling change, or reading social cues such as body language.  The person might also have a preoccupation with a particular interest, or be oversensitive to sounds, smells, tastes, etc. Asperger’s Syndrome is sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism.”

Is an anti-poverty strategy that helps low-income people move toward greater self-sufficiency by accumulating savings and purchasing long-term assets.

The use of technology to meet the needs of people with disabilities in all areas of life: education, employment, transportation and community living activities.

The term ‘‘assistive technology device’’ means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. (114 STAT. 1682 PUBLIC LAW 106–402—OCT. 30, 2000) Examples of assistive technology devices include computerized communication boards, automated readers, augmentative communication devices; toys with adapted switches, modified household gadgets; wheelchairs and computer-based devices that give enhanced images to people with vision loss or that translate voice input into writing for people with hearing loss or deafness.

The term ‘‘assistive technology service’’ means any service that directly assists an individual with a developmental disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes— (A) conducting an evaluation of the needs of an individual with a developmental disability, including a functional evaluation of the individual in the individual’s customary environment;(B) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of an assistive technology device by an individual with a developmental disability; (C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing an assistive technology device; (D) coordinating and using another therapy, intervention, or service with an assistive technology device, such as a therapy, intervention, or service associated with an education or rehabilitation plan or program; (E) providing training or technical assistance for an individual with a developmental disability, or, where appropriate, a family member, guardian, advocate, or authorized representative of an individual with a developmental disability; and (F) providing training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of, an individual with developmental disabilities. (114 STAT. 1682 PUBLIC LAW 106–402—OCT. 30, 2000)

A diagnosis with symptoms that may include difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted and the inability to focus more than a few moments on mental tasks.  (See also attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.)

A diagnosis with symptoms that may include difficulty focusing attention and effort to tasks, difficulty in impulse control or delay of gratification and increased activity unrelated to the current task or situation. Most people who have a diagnosis of ADHD alone are not eligible for developmental disability services.

Any device, system, or method (other than natural speech) that improves or enhances a person’s ability to communicate. This includes sign language, letter boards, speech-generating devices, computer software, etc.