Special Education Acronyms Cheat Sheet
If you’ve ever sat in an IEP meeting feeling like everyone’s speaking a different language, you’re not alone.
Special education is full of acronyms—IDEA, FAPE, LRE, BIP—and keeping them all straight can feel overwhelming, especially when you're focused on what matters most: your child.
This quick cheat sheet breaks down the most common terms so you can walk into meetings with clarity, confidence, and the knowledge to make informed decisions.
DISABILITY ACRONYMS
ADD/ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
DD - Developmental Delay
ED - Emotional Disturbance
ELL - English Language Learner
ESL - English as a Second Language
ID - Intellectual Disability
LD - Learning Disability
OHI - Other Health Impairment
SLD - Specific Learning Disability
TB - Traumatic Brain Impairment
LAW-RELATED ACRONYMS
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
FAPE - Free Appropriate Public Educations
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Act
OCR - Office of Civil Rights
OSEP - Office of Special Education Programs (Federal)
OSES - Office of Special Educations Services (South Carolina)
PTI - Parent Training and Information
IEP-RELATED ACRONYMS
AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis
ADLs - Activities of Daily Living
ASL - American Sign Language
AT - Assistive Technology
BIP - Behavior Intervention Plan
COTA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
EI - Early Intervention/Interventionist
ESY - Extended School Year
FBA - Functional Behavior Assessment
IEE - Independent Educational Evaluation
IEP - Individualized Education Program
IFSP - Individualized Family Service Plan
LEA - Local Education Agency
LRE - Least Restrictive Environment
NOM - Notice of Meeting
OT - Occupational Therapy/Therapist
PBIS - Positive Behavioral and Interventions and Supports
PLAAFP - Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
PT - Physical Therapy/Therapist
PWN - Prior Written Notice
RTI - Response to Intervention
SAS - Supplementary Aids and Services
SDI - Specially Designed Instruction
SLP - Speech Language Pathologist
SPED - Special Education
ST - Speech Therapy/Therapist
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