Terminology and Lingo

Terminology and “lingo” in the developmental disability service system can be confusing. See below for often-used terms and acronyms:

Crisis Resolution: Individual’s current situation must be critical. Individual may be eligible for immediate funding based on funding availability.

Crisis Prevention: Individual’s name is on DDA’s waiting list. Individual may be eligible for available funds based on date of application.

Current Request: Individual’s name is on DDA’s waiting list. Individual may be eligible for available funds based on date of application.

FSS-Family Support Services: Services for children that cannot exceed $3000, per fiscal year.

Future Need: Individual’s name is on DDA’s waiting list. However, individual and family are not in dire need, or requesting services at this time.

ISS-Individual Support Services: Services for adults that cannot exceed $5000, per fiscal year.

Low Intensity Support Services (LISS): LISS is a statewide program funded through the DDA. LISS funding is flexible, dynamic and adaptable to the needs of the individual. LISS may be accessed multiple times throughout a year and across multiple years. It cannot exceed $3,000 in one year. Families and individuals must be specific in their requests. The agencies administering LISS in Baltimore City and Baltimore County are Humanim and PennMar.

WLEF-Waiting list Equity Funds: Funding for individuals whose care providers are age 76 and older. Access to funding depends on availability.

WLI-Waiting List Initiative: Primary caregiver is age 55 or older and access to funding depends on availability and date of application.

Useful Acronyms

AAIDD American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ALU Alternative Living Unit
APSE Association for Persons in Supportive Employment
BP Behavior Plan
CCS Coordinator of Community Services
COMAR Code of Maryland Administrative Regulations
CMS Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services
DDA Developmental Disabilities Administration
DDC Developmental Disabilities Council
DEWS Division of Eligibility Waiver Services
DOH Department of Health
DHR Department of Human Resources
DOD Department of Disabilities
DORS Division of Rehabilitation Services
DRM Disability Rights Maryland (formerly MDLC)
FRC Forensic Residential Center
HCBS Home and Community Based Services
HUD Housing and Urban Development
IP Individual Plan
IRWE Impairment Related Work Expense
ISS Individual Support Service
LRE Least Restrictive Environment
MA Medical Assistance
MACS Maryland Association of Community Services
MAR Medication Administration Record
MTTP Medication Technician Training Program
NACDD National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
NCI National Core Indicators
OHCQ Office of Health Care Quality
PMOF Physician Medication Order Form
REM Rare and Expensive Case Management
RFP Requests for Proposals
RSA Rehabilitation Services Administration
SFP Service Funding Plan
SIS Supports Intensity Scale
SRC State Residential Centers
SSA Social Security Administration
SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI Supplemental Security Income