Physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment. Abuse is one of the six recurrent themes that characterize the history of people with developmental disabilities.

Adjustment in an employment, education or living practice that allows a person with a developmental disability to participate, live and/or work more independently and productively.

A person who takes direct action to change a practice or belief. Disability activists have used mass demonstrations, "roll-in" protests and other opportunities to bring attention to disability rights issues, acquire new civil rights for all people with disabilities and change the support system to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Comprehensive civil rights law enacted in July 1990 which makes it illegal to discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability in terms of accessibility to federal, state and local government services, employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.

The process of gathering support for an issue or idea by presenting information and working with policymakers to create change.

A person who pleads the cause of an individual, group or organization in order to bring about a change in policy.

A national organization for people with mental retardation, The Arc was one of the first parent-led organizations to be created as part of the Parent Movement and continues to be a leading advocate for the rights of all people with mental retardation, including access to free appropriate, inclusive education and full participation.

Often referred to as AT, assistive technology typically refers to a device or piece of physical equipment used to help a person to perform specific tasks and become more independent, productive and successful. Assistive technology can be used to improve any area of life - whether employment, education, community participation or independent living.

A large state-run residential institution intended to segregate people with mental illness, developmental disabilities or diseases from society.

Attitudes, stereotypes and social norms that stand in the way of the acceptance and full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

A group of people, including family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers and caregivers, who know a person with disabilities and are committed to providing practical and emotional support as he or she plans his or her career and future. Also known as a "Circle of Friends" or a "Personal Network."

The rights belonging to an individual by virtue of citizenship, including civil liberties, due process, equal protection under the law, and freedom from discrimination.

A nationwide effort that peaked in the 1960s to secure equal civil rights for people of all races in the United States. Many of the resulting legislative changes and legal decisions helped to expand the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Smaller residential institutional settings for 500 or fewer individuals with developmental disabilities. These centers began replacing massive state-run institutions in the 1960s. Generally, Regional Centers or Community Development Centers are closer to urban areas in an effort to bring residents closer to their communities.

Employment of people with developmental disabilities in local, community businesses.

Employment of people with developmental disabilities in local businesses at comparable wages and benefits to those paid to individuals without disabilities who perform similar functions.

A community-based program providing vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities to help prepare them for employment. Services may include medical, psychiatric, psychological, social, and vocational services; recreational, physical, occupational, speech, language, and hearing therapies; positive behavior management; disability evaluations; mobility services; and job development, placement and retention services.

Support services available to people with developmental disabilities that are offered by and through local agencies and service providers.

A range of housing options for people with developmental disabilities including in-home support and independent home ownership through full institutionalization, the most restrictive setting.

An array of employment options for people with developmental disabilities ranging from competitive community employment through employment in an enclave or other segregated environment.

A range of placement options that a school district can offer if full-time placement in a regular classroom is considered inappropriate for the child's unique situation. Options include access to a resource room or special education classroom through academic preparation offered in a hospital or other institutional setting, the most restrictive alternative.

A court jester or fool was a popular source of entertainment in the Middle Ages. People with developmental disabilities were often used to provoke amusement and laughter through humorous, often humiliating, antics and jokes in exchange for payment, food or shelter.

Congenital thyroid deficiency that results in deformity and cognitive disabilities.

A job that is individually negotiated and developed. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs and interests of the person with a disability, and also is designed to meet the specific needs of the employer. Customized employment assumes that reasonable accommodations and supports will be identified to allow the individual to perform the functions of a job.

The practice of viewing people with disabilities as less than human or a menace to society because of ignorance or the misguided view that they were less than "perfect." As a result, people with disabilities came to be seen as lacking normal feelings, emotions, sensations, etc., a perspective that led to a host of abuses. Along with devaluation, dehumanization is one of the six recurrent themes that characterize the history of people with developmental disabilities.

Process of moving people with developmental disabilities out of institutions and into more independent, community living options.

Belief that people with developmental disabilities have less value than people without developmental disabilities. This attitude often led to systematic abuses and denial of rights. Along with dehumanization, devaluation is one of the six recurrent themes that characterize the history of people with developmental disabilities.

A disability that is manifested before the person reaches 22 years of age, which substantially limits the affected individual's ability to live, work or learn independently, and is attributable to mental retardation or related conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other neurological conditions, that result in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior.

Belief that all people, including those with developmental disabilities, have the capacity to grow and learn, regardless of the extent of the disability. The Developmental Model was the foundation for a new way of thinking and many of the innovations that began to emerge by the end of the 1970s.

The Disability Rights Movement began in the 1970s, encouraged by the Civil Rights and Women's Rights Movements of the late 1960s. The Disability Rights Movement seeks to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by creating more inclusive communities and improving accessibility, education and employment opportunities.

The unfavorable or unfair treatment of a person or class because of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, physical/mental disability, or sexual orientation.

The notion that a god, not a human, is responsible for creating a disability has played a role in society's perceptions of disability since ancient times. In this view, a disability can be seen as a punishment for either the individual or the parents or as a special gift from God and that the individual is destined for a greater purpose on earth.

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.

In terms of IDEA and special education law, due process refers to your child's rights to be evaluated, to receive an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment, to have an IEP and to dispute any issue related to your child's education.

Services and programs provided to children aged two and under to minimize or eliminate the disability as the child matures.

A series of laws enacted in England between 1563 and 1601 to care for the poor and unemployable. One outgrowth of these laws was creation of state-run institutions for people who were unable to support themselves, including many people with developmental disabilities.

The practice of using individuals with disabilities as objects of scorn and ridicule. In medieval times, many towns constructed "idiot cages" in the town square to keep people with disabilities in one place and out of trouble. More likely, the cages - and their occupants - offered a diversion for the townspeople.

A term coined in the early 1900s to describe scientific endeavors to increase the proportion of persons with better than average genetic endowment through selective mating. The Eugenics Movement later led to forced sterilization, homicide, discrimination and other abuses.

The process of obtaining detailed information about a child's educational needs by administering a series of tests and observing the child in various settings. A valid evaluation cannot focus on a specific disability and must assess the child's strengths, challenges and unique needs using measurement tools and assessments that are unbiased, effective, non-discriminatory, and administered by trained professionals.

The practice of taking advantage of those who are unable to protect themselves. Exploitation is one of the six recurrent themes that characterize the history of people with developmental disabilities.

A type of article, television feature or documentary that exposes an injustice or serious problem. Exposés played an important role in changing society's view and treatment of people with disabilities by exposing horrific conditions in the nation's residential institutions and medical and educational systems.

The practice of leaving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities in remote areas to die of exposure to the elements.

Funding and services to enable families to keep children with disabilities in their home environment instead of in institutional or custodial care.

A generic term for persons with intellectual disabilities that was commonly used through the early 20th century.

Government-supported efforts to surgically prevent people with developmental disabilities from reproducing. Forced sterilization was an outgrowth of the Eugenics Movement.

Temporary care of a child by a person other than their own parent, funded by federal, state and local agencies and arranged by an outside agency. This care includes appropriate food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment, and education for the child. In some cases, adults with special needs may be supported through foster care services.

IDEA establishes that parents cannot be required to pay for special education services that will help a child reach his or her full potential. The concept of "appropriate" differs for each child - what is appropriate for one child may not necessarily be effective for another. Under IDEA, the educational solution offered must reflect each child's unique situation, challenges and talents.

A curriculum focused on practical life skills and usually taught in community-based settings with concrete materials that are a regular part of everyday life. (http://www.disabilityrights.org/glossary.htm)

A physical, mental or emotional disability that limits a person's ability to perform a specific action or set of actions.

Skills necessary for daily independent living.

A teaching approach focused on helping the learner to feel safe, loved, loving, and engaged. Gentle caregivers use their presence, hands, words, and eyes as their primary teaching tools.

Modeled after traditional family settings, these small residences typically serve fewer people with developmental disabilities. Generally, people with similar needs and interests live in a group setting with support from paid caregivers.

The act of killing another person. Homicide is a recurring theme in the history of people with developmental disabilities. It arises from the idea that people with developmental disabilities are less than human and, therefore, less worthy of respect and care.

The primary law governing special education in the United States. It outlines a child's educational rights including the right to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and the right to an education that is standards based. The latest amendments to this special education law were passed in 2004.

1. A formal process for determining and documenting a school's plan for educating a child with special needs that includes input from parents, the student, classroom teachers, special education teachers and the school district.

2. A formal written individualized education program for a child with disabilities that complies with the requirements outlined in IDEA.

The Greeks were the first to use the word IDIOS (idiot). In the beginning, it referred to someone who was not a public official or an elected official. It meant a private person. The term later changed to mean someone who was ignorant. Through the 1900s, it meant someone with an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of 0-25.

Fenced in area that isolates people with developmental disabilities from the rest of society. Idiot cages were constructed in the center of European towns as early as the mid-1300s as a way of keeping individuals with developmental disabilities out of trouble and to protect them from harming themselves or others. More often than not, however, occupants of the cages were seen as a source of free, public entertainment.

The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed. Ignorance is one of the common themes that can be found throughout the history of society's treatment of people with developmental disabilities. With limited knowledge of the roots, causes and capabilities of people with developmental disabilities, society came to view them as evil, less than human, menaces, sources of entertainment or objects to be pitied. As more information became available, society began to change the way it views people with developmental disabilities.

Practice of including all people regardless of disability, income or cultural background in all daily activities at school, work, home and the community.

Practice of educating everyone, regardless of disability, income or cultural background in a supportive classroom environment where all students' needs are met full-time in regular classrooms alongside their peers without disabilities, with appropriate supports and modifications, at their neighborhood schools.

Growing out of the civil rights and consumer movements of the late 1960s, the Independent Living Movement began in the 1970s. It is founded on the belief that people with disabilities are the best experts on their needs and, therefore, must be involved in designing and promoting better, more inclusive solutions.

Practice of killing infants and children with obvious disabilities. The practice was common in ancient times when "imperfect" infants were thrown in rivers and abandoned on hillsides.

Large, state-run publicly-supported residential facility for people with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. Initially created in the Middle Ages as a way to assist those who lived in poverty or were unable to care for themselves, institutions soon became society's preferred way of segregating, congregating and separating people with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, the poor, the unemployable and criminals from the general population. Depending on the era, institutions might be called asylums, poor houses, almshouses and training schools.

To place a person with developmental disabilities in the care of an institution, often without the person's consent.

An inferred characteristic of an individual, usually defined as the ability to profit from experience, acquire knowledge, think abstractly, or adapt to changes in the environment.

A measure of intelligence or intellectual potential derived from standardized intelligence tests.

A residential facility that provides 24-hour personal care, habilitation and supportive health services to people with developmental disabilities need developmental services and have a recurring need for skilled health services.

The practice of keeping a person or group of people away from the rest of society. While often explained as a way of protecting individuals with disabilities, in reality isolation offered a way of "protecting" society from those they saw as different.

Any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that enables a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or perform essential job functions.

Employment opportunity created by removing certain aspects of a job description to meet the specific abilities of an applicant with severe disabilities. For example, someone who wants to work as a warehouse helper meets all of the qualifications except a driver's license. A job developer could help the employer to shift the driving responsibilities to another role in exchange for another responsibility the individual could complete.

Person hired by the placement agency or provided through the employer to furnish temporary one-on-one on-site training to help an employee with a disability learn to perform a job and adjust to the work environment.

The branch of government that interprets and enforces the laws.

The family whose genetic history was traced by Dr. Henry Goddard and used to prove that heredity was a primary determinant of cognitive and moral disabilities. Unfortunately, this "proof" was based on faulty scientific methods and flawed evidence. The findings strengthened the widely held perception that people with developmental disabilities were a threat to society. This infamous study led to the rise of "eugenics" and resulted in mandatory sterilization laws, restrictions on marriage, further segregation and the loss of basic rights for people with disabilities.

The least restrictive environment provision of IDEA assumes that the most appropriate place for children with disabilities to learn is alongside their peers without disabilities. It also assumes that children with disabilities should be removed from the regular classroom environment to receive special education services only when absolutely necessary.

Proposals being considered by policymakers prior to becoming law. Throughout history, legislation has played a critical role in expanding the rights and opportunities of people with developmental disabilities.

This term does not actually appear in law. It refers to IDEA's preference for the education of every child in the least restrictive environment for each student and has been most widely used to refer to the return of children with mild disabilities to a regular classroom for a portion of each school day.

Approach to the treatment and support of people with developmental disabilities that prevailed in the mid-1900s. People with developmental disabilities were viewed from a medical perspective. Treatment focused on "curing" the individual by applying medical terms and theories. During this time, people with developmental disabilities were called "patients;" state institutions were called "hospitals;" residents lived in "wards;" staff members wore medical uniforms and ate, drank and took breaks in separate lounges.

Mental retardation is a state of functioning that begins in childhood and is characterized by limitation in both intelligence and adaptive skills. Mental retardation reflects the "fit" between the capabilities of individuals and the structure and expectations of their environment.

Support from supervisors and co-workers that naturally occur in the workplace. Natural supports often include benefits provided by employers for all employees and can be formal and informal. Natural supports may include mentoring, ongoing feedback on job performance, training with a co-worker and socialization. Natural supports increase the integration and acceptance of an employee with a disability in the workplace.

To give little attention or care to someone or something. Neglect is a recurrent theme in society's treatment of people with developmental disabilities. If unchecked, neglect can lead to abuse, viewing people with developmental disabilities as less than human, and, ultimately, even death.

A comprehensive, nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people with disabilities to help ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, make choices about their daily lives and participate fully in community life.

Formal, nondiscriminatory assessments or tests designed to evaluate a child's ability to understand and process information; assess his or her behavior; analyze academic achievements to date and determine academic potential; assess his or her functional capabilities; identify his or her interests and skills.

A common-sense concept introduced in the 1960s focused on helping people with developmental disabilities obtain an existence as close to the norm as possible. The concept of normalization helped society recognize the impact that attitudes, values and environment have on people with disabilities.

Beginning in the 1950s, parents of children with disabilities banded together to change the way people with developmental disabilities lived, learned and worked in their communities. With a collective voice, focused advocacy efforts and strength in numbers, families with children with developmental disabilities soon began to benefit from new community services, expanded and improved living options, formal special education services and changing public perceptions of the employability of people with disabilities.

Communities seeking to remove unwanted citizens, including people with developmental disabilities, practiced "passing on". Criminals, people with developmental disabilities and others were put on carts and brought to the edge of a neighboring community where they would be abandoned.

A system of forced labor that requires one group of people to serve another for little or no compensation.

People First Language puts the person before the disability and recognizes that individuals with disabilities are - first and foremost - people. People First Language emphasizes each individual's value, dignity and capabilities.

A planning process that focuses on the individual and his/her interests, strengths, and needs. The planning process is controlled by the individual with a disability who is supported by friends and family members who volunteer to assist the person, over time, to achieve a better quality of life. The process is sometimes called Personal Futures Planning or Futures Planning.

Setting in which a child with disabilities will be educated and where related services will be delivered. Placement includes the amount of time that a child with disabilities will spend with his or her peers without disabilities.

A school-wide system of proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. Instead of using a patchwork of individual behavioral management plans, a continuum of positive behavior support for all students within a school is implemented in both classroom and non-classroom settings.

A set of guidelines or rules outlined by a governmental entity.

The "Readiness Model" dominated vocational training and the transition from institutions into community-based residences for people with disabilities. People with developmental disabilities were expected to prove they were capable of living independently, working in the community and participating in society before being given the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people with disabilities were rarely considered "ready" to move on.

An initiative from the mid-1980s requiring schools to increase efforts to educate students with special needs in the regular classroom instead of moving them out into "resource rooms" for the majority of the school day.

To accept something as inevitable; to surrender without a fight. For centuries, people with developmental disabilities and their families accepted limitations on their basic human rights without question. Resignation is one of the six recurrent themes that characterize the history of people with developmental disabilities.

A separate classroom where academic instruction and related special education services are provided to children with developmental disabilities who have been removed from the regular classroom for all or part of the school day.

Services that provide caregivers temporary relief from tasks associated with caring for a child or adult with developmental disabilities.

A theory introduced in 1798 by a British economist who encouraged society to focus its support on people who are most likely to pay back on that investment.

Provision prohibiting recipients of federal funds from discriminating against people with disabilities.

The practice of separating one group of people from another. Institutions are an example of systematic segregation that has gone on for centuries.

Individual with developmental disabilities who speaks for him or herself rather than allowing others to speak on their behalf.

The right to and process of making decisions about one's own life.

To operate a business or profession as a sole proprietor, independent contractor or consultant. Self-employment is an increasingly popular and attractive option for people with developmental disabilities who prefer the flexibility and personal control that self-employment offers.

A segregated workplace that provides an environment where people with developmental disabilities can acquire job skills and vocational experience with continual supports and supervision. In most cases, workers receive minimal pay and no benefits and have few opportunities for advancement. This employment alternative is being phased out as an acceptable employment outcome by the federal government. Also known as an "enclave" or "extended employment."

Practice where communities paid ship owners to take people with developmental disabilities away so they wouldn't "pose a burden" to the town. The ship, or "Ship of Fools," would sail from port to port charging admission to view the human cargo. Eventually the ships would abandon the people. In the early 17th century, many New England towns adopted a "warning out" policy where any newcomer would have to be "approved" before he or she could settle in the town.

A 1969 conference, co-sponsored by the President's Committee on Mental Retardation and the Bureau of Education, which underscored the connection between poverty and lack of access to appropriate education.

The process of learning appropriate behaviors that allows an individual to function effectively as a member of a family, work group, classroom or social group.

Specialized instruction that supports the unique needs of children with disabilities and allows them to maximize their abilities. Special education also refers to the services that support children with disabilities in a regular classroom, at home or other setting. Although slow to take hold, it is a critical element of today's inclusive educational system.

Segregated educational classroom designed exclusively to serve the specific educational needs of children with developmental disabilities.

Services a student must receive to benefit from special education, such as transportation assistance, occupational and/or speech therapy, counseling, medical services, etc.

Paid employment in community settings for persons with severe disabilities who need ongoing support to perform their work. Support can include on-the-job training, ongoing external job coaching, transportation or supervision.

Initially created to teach people with disabilities a trade or way to become somewhat independent. Unfortunately, because training schools tended to be residential facilities, they soon disintegrated into massive institutions.

Period of time between life stages, such as moving from school to work or from home to independent living. Frequently used to refer to movement from preschool and early intervention programs to elementary school and from high school to post-secondary education, employment and adult life in the community.

Planning for an adolescent's post-school life. IDEA mandates that transition planning must begin by age 14-1/2. Transition planning involves preparation of a document called an Individual Transition Program (ITP).

Groundbreaking approach to the employment of people with severe disabilities that was introduced in the late 1960s. "Try Another Way" provided an organizational framework, instructional strategies and a value-base for teaching persons with severe disabilities to perform sophisticated tasks. It is the basis of today's customized employment.

Approach for designing products, services and environments that are as usable and accessible as possible for the widest spectrum of users, regardless of age or ability.

Programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities enter, re-enter, or retain gainful employment.

Usually refers to the Home and Community Based Waiver program under which a state applies for and receives permission to use Medicaid funds to assist and therefore retain people with disabilities in their home communities. Many of the restrictive requirements applied to Medicaid funds are waived in these programs.

President Lyndon Johnson's term for programs aimed at eliminating poverty in the United States in the 1960s. As part of the War on Poverty, the Job Corps, Head Start, and Medicaid and Medicare programs were created and public housing projects and welfare programs were expanded.

A key concept of IDEA, "zero reject" refers to the government's obligation to provide a free appropriate education to all children with disabilities, even those with severe disabilities and/or behavioral challenges.