So Many Terms. So Little Time.
Every service, disability, therapy, and resource seems to have some clunky acronym represent it. Here's an ever-growing list of terms and services you'll hear and read about the most when navigating the world of special needs care. You can search by letter or by using the search bar below.
Medicaid Waiver Institutional Deeming (ID) is a process to obtain full scope unrestricted Medi-Cal without a share of cost for developmentally disabled consumers under age 18. Through Institutional Deeming the consumer's family income and resources are not taken into consideration; the consumer is assessed on their own merit. However, if the consumer has income and/or resources of their own (i.e., court appointed child support, trust fund income, etc.) this may result in ineligibility. When approved for Medi-Cal via Institutional Deeming our consumers will have access to all Medi-Cal services including medical, dental and Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) supplemental services.
The federal law that guarantees all children with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education.
Federal regulations state unequivocally that parents of a child with a disability have a right to obtain an IEE. An IEE is broadly defined as "an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the public agency responsible for the education of the child in question." An IEE may be obtained by parents at their own expense or at public expense.
An IEE is not limited to evaluating only a child's academic or cognitive skills, but may include the evaluation of any skill related to the child's educational needs. Evaluations of neurological functioning, adapted physical education, sensory needs, behavior, aquatics, even music therapy, are but a few examples of the types of IEEs covered under the IDEA. Parents may obtain an IEE, for virtually any purpose if it impacts the child's education.
For kids to receive special education services, they need an IEP—an Individualized Education Program. An IEP is a legally binding document (sometimes referred to as a “plan”). It’s essentially an important map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports and services kids need to make progress and succeed in school. The IEP spells out your child’s educational goals, academic challenges and strengths. The term IEP is also used to refer to the written plan that specifically lists when and where a child will receive special education services and accommodations.
This person serves those enrolled in the self-determination program through the Regional Centers. An Independent Facilitator can:
Leads your person-centered plan and suggest people and providers for you
Help clients create a budget
Finds people and providers to support you
Help you with annual IPP
Helps manage your workers
The IF is paid by your individual budget and cannot be the one who provides any services. Clients have the option to choose RC service coordinators as independent facilitators.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers are designed to assist in supporting a participant in his or her home as an alternative to care in a licensed health care facility. HCBS waiver services include: Case management, transitional case management; community transition: private duty nursing; family training; environmental accessibility adaptations; waiver personal care; life sustaining medical equipment operation expenses, habilitation; respite care; and personal emergency response system.
The types of services that may be authorized through IHSS are housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bowel and bladder care, bathing, grooming and paramedical services), accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision.
Protective supervision is an IHSS service for people who, due to a mental impairment or mental illness, need to be observed 24 hours per day to protect them from injuries, hazards or accidents. An IHSS provider may be paid to observe and monitor a disabled child or adult when the person can remain safely at home if 24 hour supervision is provided. Learn more here.
An In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider is someone who gets paid to provide services to a person who receives in-home supportive services under the IHSS Program.
Select “read more” to learn about all 15 rights and responsibilities for IHSS providers.