Word list

Every word and abbreviation we use on this site, explained in plain language.

The words

501(c)(3)

The part of the United States tax code that covers charities. A 501(c)(3) organization does not pay federal income tax, and gifts to it may be tax deductible.

504 plan

A written plan that sets out the changes a school will make for a disabled student. It comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It is usually shorter and simpler than an Individualized Education Program.

ABLE account

A savings account a disabled person can use without losing benefits. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward the usual savings limit. Only people whose disability began before a set age can open one.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

A United States law passed in 1990. It makes it illegal to discriminate against disabled people in work, public services, and public places.

Agency

Having a real say in what happens to you. Being the one who decides, rather than the one who is decided about.

Assistive technology

Any tool that helps a disabled person do something. It covers everything from a walking stick to screen reading software.

Autonomy

Running your own life. Making your own choices about where you live, who supports you, and what you do.

Benefit cliff

The point where earning slightly more money causes benefits to stop suddenly instead of reducing gradually. It can leave someone worse off after a pay rise.

Blue Envelope Project

A Be Enabled Advocacy Alliance program. A blue envelope holds a driver's license, registration, and insurance, plus short notes for the officer, so a traffic stop can go more smoothly when the driver or a passenger communicates differently. Using one is always voluntary. See the Blue Envelope Project page to find a program near you.

Direct support technology

The everyday tools disabled people use to get through the day. Booking apps, communication devices, and the systems care agencies use to schedule support.

Disability-led

An organization where disabled people set the agenda and make the decisions, rather than only being asked for their views.

DME (durable medical equipment)

Equipment prescribed for use over a long period, such as a wheelchair, a hoist, or a hospital bed.

HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services)

Funding that pays for support in a person's own home and neighborhood, instead of in a nursing home or other institution.

IEP (Individualized Education Program)

A legal document for a disabled student in a United States public school. It sets out the student's goals and the support the school must provide.

Medicaid waiver

A program that lets a state use Medicaid money in ways the normal rules would not allow. Waivers are often how support at home gets paid for.

Olmstead decision

A United States Supreme Court ruling from 1999. It found that keeping disabled people in institutions when they could live in the community is a form of discrimination.

Paratransit

A door-to-door transport service for people who cannot use regular buses and trains. It usually has to be booked in advance.

Screen reader

Software that reads what is on a screen out loud, or sends it to a braille display. It is how many blind people use a computer or phone.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

A United States benefit for disabled people who have worked and paid into Social Security. The amount is based on past earnings.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

A United States benefit for disabled people with very little income or savings. It is based on need rather than on past work.

Subminimum wage

Pay below the legal minimum wage. Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act still allows some employers to pay disabled workers this way.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

The international standard for making websites usable by disabled people. It has three levels: A, AA, and AAA.

Tell us about a word we should add to this list