Terminology
Understanding key terms can make the process of advocacy, counseling, and special education less overwhelming.
Here’s a glossary of words and phrases you might encounter when working with Visionary Solutions — explained clearly and simply.
Accomodation:
Changes in the way instruction or materials are presented so a student can learn and show what they know. Examples include extra time on tests, audiobooks, or flexible seating.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
A federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensures equal access to education, employment, and public spaces.
Advocacy:
Speaking or acting on behalf of someone to ensure their rights, needs, and interests are understood and respected.
AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy):
A form of therapy that incorporates trained animals to help reduce anxiety, increase trust, and encourage emotional connection.
Assessment:
The process of collecting information about a person’s abilities, needs, and goals to guide services and supports.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP):
A personalized plan developed for students who need support with behavior in school; it includes positive strategies to encourage success
Bipolar Disorder:
A mental health condition that causes shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Treatment helps promote stability and emotional balance.
Case Manager:
A professional who coordinates services, appointments, and resources for clients to ensure continuity of care.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy):
A structured approach that helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more balanced thinking.
Collaboration:
The act of professionals, families, and schools working together to support the best outcomes for a student or client.
Confidentiality:
The ethical and legal responsibility to keep personal information private and secure.
Counseling:
A professional service that helps individuals and families address emotional, behavioral, or life challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
Evaluation:
An in-depth assessment of a child’s learning and behavior used to determine eligibility for special education or accommodations.
Eligibility Meeting:
A school meeting where the IEP team decides whether a student qualifies for services under IDEA.
Empowerment:
The process of helping someone gain control, confidence, and voice in decisions about their life.
504 Plan:
A written plan that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Family Counseling:
A therapeutic approach that helps families improve communication, solve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
IEP (Individualized Education Program):
A legally binding plan that describes the specific supports, accommodations, and goals for a student with disabilities under IDEA.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act):
The federal law guaranteeing all students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education.
Intervention:
Any action or strategy used to improve learning, emotional well-being, or daily functioning.
Intake Process:
The first step in counseling or advocacy, where background information is gathered to tailor the best plan of support.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):
The principle that students with disabilities should be educated alongside their peers to the greatest extent possible.
Legal Rights in Education:
The protections guaranteed by IDEA and Section 504 ensuring equal opportunities for students with disabilities.
Mediation:
A voluntary, confidential process where parents and schools work with a neutral facilitator to resolve disagreements in a cooperative way.
Motivational Interviewing (MI):
A counseling style that helps people find their own motivation for change through empathy and guided reflection.
Mindfulness:
The practice of staying aware and present in the moment to reduce stress and improve emotional control.
Occupational Therapy (OT):
Therapy that helps individuals develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and independence.
Ophthalmologist:
A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and vision conditions.
Parent Advocate:
Someone who supports parents in understanding their child’s educational rights and in communicating effectively with schools.
Psychosocial Support:
Assistance that addresses both emotional and social factors to improve well-being and resilience.
Rehabilitation Services:
Programs that help individuals with disabilities or injuries regain skills, confidence, and independence.
Referral:
A recommendation to another professional or organization for additional support or evaluation.
Section 504:
Part of the Rehabilitation Act that protects the rights of students with disabilities in schools that receive federal funding.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
Teaching and developing skills related to managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible decisions.
Special Education:
Specialized instruction designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
Support Group:
A gathering of individuals who share similar experiences, providing encouragement and understanding.
Vision Loss:
Any degree of visual impairment, from partial sight to complete blindness, that affects daily functioning.
Vocational Assistance:
Guidance and training that help individuals prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment.
Visual Aids:
Tools or devices (such as magnifiers, Braille, or screen readers) that support learning and independence for individuals with low vision.
More Coming Soon
We regularly update this list with new terms, resources, and definitions as our programs expand. If there’s a term you’d like us to include, please contact us — we’re always happy to make complex information easier to understand.