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The world of disability services and support is often accompanied by a lot of acronyms. Whether you’re a person with disability, a family member, a service provider or an advocate, knowing these acronyms is essential for navigating conversations, paperwork and policies effectively. This article breaks down some of the most common disability-related acronyms to help you understand what they mean and how they are used.

AAT – Administrative Appeals Tribunal

The NDIS Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviews decisions made by the NDIS when a participant believes that a decision made is incorrect or unfair. It provides an independent platform for dispute resolution, allowing people to present their case and seek changes to decisions related to NDIS plans, funding, or eligibility.

ADL – Activities of Daily Living

ADLs refer to basic self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. Support for ADLs is often provided under NDIS plans, enabling people to manage their personal care needs with greater independence.

AT – Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology includes equipment and devices that help people with disability perform everyday activities more independently. This could range from mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers to communication devices or specialised software.

CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach for addressing mental health issues. It helps individuals challenge and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, often used to support those dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.

CPS – Capacity Building Supports

Capacity Building Supports are services designed to help NDIS participants develop the skills and abilities needed to achieve greater independence and participate more fully in their community. These supports focus on building a person’s capabilities in areas such as daily living, employment, social interactions and self-management. By providing targeted interventions and skill development, capacity building aims to enhance long-term outcomes and support individuals to manage their own needs and goals more effectively.

DSP – Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension is a government benefit provided to people who are unable to work due to a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition. It offers financial support to help with living costs for those who cannot earn a sufficient income.

EAP – Early Action Plan

An Early Action Plan is a preventive strategy that targets children with early signs of developmental delays or disability. The plan is designed to intervene at an early stage to provide timely support that can improve a child’s long-term outcomes.

ECA – Early Childhood Approach

The Early Childhood Approach is an NDIS pathway designed specifically for children aged up to six with developmental delays or disability. It provides early intervention strategies to support children during crucial developmental periods, aiming for long-term improvements in their abilities and quality of life.

EP – Educational Psychologist

An Educational Psychologist works with children, young people, families and schools to support learning and emotional well-being. They help assess developmental delays, learning difficulties and provide recommendations for educational support strategies.

FBA – Functional Behaviour Assessment

A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a process of understanding why a person displays specific behaviours. This is often used to develop positive behaviour support strategies, tailoring interventions that can meet a person’s individual needs.

IEP – Individualised Education Plan

An Individualised Education Plan is a personalised plan for children with disability or learning difficulties in the education system. It outlines specific goals, support strategies and accommodations needed to meet the student’s educational needs.

ILO – Individualised Living Options

Individualised Living Options are a flexible NDIS support that enable people with disability to live in their preferred housing arrangement with tailored support. Unlike traditional models such as group homes or supported independent living, ILO offers a more personalised approach by allowing participants to design living arrangements that suit their needs and preferences.

ISA – Individualised Support Arrangements

Individualised Support Arrangements are personalised plans designed to provide tailored support for people with disability based on their individual needs and goals. These arrangements offer flexibility in the types of assistance provided, which may include help with daily living activities, community participation, or specialised care. These are only offered by Melba.

LAC – Local Area Coordinator

Local Area Coordinators play a vital role in helping people access the NDIS. They assist participants to develop and implement their plans, connecting them to appropriate services and reviewing their progress.

NDIA – National Disability Insurance Agency

The NDIA is the governing body responsible for implementing and managing the NDIS. This agency oversees participant plans, funding approvals and policy regulations, ensuring the scheme operates effectively.

NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme

The NDIS is one of the most well-known acronyms in the Australian disability community. The scheme provides funding for Australians under 65 with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS offers individualised support and resources, enabling people to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

OT – Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a therapeutic practice focused on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who face physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges, aiming to improve their ability to perform everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, or participating in social interactions.

PBS – Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support is a therapeutic approach aimed at improving the quality of life for people who use behaviours of protest. PBS focuses on understanding the reasons behind certain behaviours and implementing tailored interventions to promote positive outcomes.

SDA – Specialist Disability Accommodation

Specialist Disability Accommodation refers to housing designed specifically for people with high physical support needs or other significant disabilities. SDA properties are built to enable independent living, with accessible features and supports that cater to individual requirements.

SIL – Supported Independent Living

Supported Independent Living is a funding module under the NDIS that covers support for daily tasks to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible. This funding can be used for assistance in shared living arrangements or individual homes, with supports ranging from personal care to household tasks.

ST – Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy is a specialised therapeutic service aimed at helping people improve their communication skills, including speech, language and social communication. It’s often used to address speech disorders, language delays, swallowing difficulties and challenges with articulation or fluency.

Disability-related acronyms form a crucial part of everyday language in the disability services sector. Becoming familiar with these terms can significantly enhance your understanding of the system and improve interactions with various professionals and organisations. Whether you’re new to the disability community or looking to deepen your knowledge, understanding these acronyms is a valuable step toward navigating the complexities of disability support services.

By breaking down these acronyms, we hope to make the world of disability services a little less daunting and a lot more accessible for everyone.