Advocacy in Special Education can be like learning a new language. Here are some common ones. Remember that anytime acronyms or other terms not familiar to you are presented in any communication with the district, you have the right to stop and ask for an explanation, you have equal rights to being an informed member of the team!
AYP - Adequate Yearly Progress
AT - Assistive Technololgy
BD - Behavioral Disorder
BIP - Behavior Intervention Plan
EI - Early Intervention
ED - Emotional Disturbance
ESY - Extended School Year
FAPE - Free Appropriate Public Education
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
IDEIA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
IEE - Independent Educational Evaluatio
IEP - Individualized Educational Plan
IFSP - Individualized Family Service Plan
ITP - Individual Transition Plan
LEA - Local Educational Agency
LRE - Least Restrictive Environment
OCR - Office of Civil Rights
OT - Occupational Therapy (sometimes referred to as OT/PT)
OSERS - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
OSEP - Office Special Education Programs (Federal)
OSPI - Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (WA state)
OHI - Other Health Impairment
PT - Physical Therapy (sometimes referred to as OT/PT)
