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Special Education Acronyms: A Parent-Friendly Guide (IEP & 504)

  • allison1441
  • Aug 11
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 28

Special education is full of acronyms that can make meetings feel like a different language. This quick guide translates the most common terms into plain English, with simple examples and a free printable you can bring to meetings.


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How to use this guide (30 seconds)


Keep a printed copy in your IEP binder or phone photos.


When you see an acronym, pause and confirm the meaning in plain language.


If a term is unclear in a document, ask the team to write it out.


Acronyms A–Z (plain English + when it matters)


Tip: Use your browser “Find” (Ctrl/Cmd+F) to jump to a term quickly.


ADA — Americans with Disabilities Act: Civil rights law prohibiting disability discrimination in public settings (schools, services, facilities).

APE — Adapted Physical Education: PE tailored to a student’s abilities.

AT — Assistive Technology: Tools/services that help students access learning (e.g., text-to-speech).

AUT — Autism: An IDEA eligibility category.


BIP — Behavior Intervention Plan: Written plan to address behavior with supports and strategies.


DB — Deaf-Blindness: An IDEA category.

DHH — Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

DOE — Department of Education (state or federal).


ED — Emotional Disturbance: An IDEA category.

ESY — Extended School Year: Services beyond the regular school year, when needed for progress.


FAPE — Free Appropriate Public Education: The school’s obligation to provide special education and related services.

FBA — Functional Behavioral Assessment: Data-based analysis of behavior to inform a BIP.

FERPA — Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Parent/student rights to educational records.


IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Federal special education law.

IEE — Independent Educational Evaluation: An outside evaluation (often district-funded) when you disagree with the school’s.

IEP — Individualized Education Program: Legally binding plan with goals, services, accommodations.

ITP — Individualized Transition Plan: Part of the IEP for transition to adulthood (often starts by age 14–16).


LD / SLD — (Specific) Learning Disability: IDEA category (e.g., dyslexia).

LEA — Local Education Agency: Your school district; in meetings, “LEA rep” can commit district resources.

LEP — Limited English Proficient (often “EL/ELL” now): English learner.

LRE — Least Restrictive Environment: Educate with nondisabled peers as much as appropriate.

LSH / SLP — Language, Speech and Hearing / Speech-Language Pathologist.


MD — Multiple Disabilities: IDEA category.

MR — Outdated term (“mental retardation”). The current term is ID — Intellectual Disability.


OCR — Office for Civil Rights: Investigates discrimination complaints (including disability).

OHI — Other Health Impairment: IDEA category (e.g., ADHD).

OI — Orthopedic Impairment: IDEA category.

OT — Occupational Therapy: Fine-motor/sensory supports.


PLAAFP (or PLP) — Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance: Baseline strengths/needs that drive goals/services.

PWN — Prior Written Notice: District’s written notice about proposed/refused actions.

PT — Physical Therapy.


RtI / MTSS — Response to Intervention / Multi-Tiered System of Supports: Tiered support before/alongside special education.


SEA — State Education Agency (State DOE).

SPED — Special Education.

SST — Student Study Team: Problem-solving team (pre-referral in some districts).


TBI — Traumatic Brain Injury: IDEA category.


VI — Visual Impairment: IDEA category.


If a new or unfamiliar acronym appears in your documents, ask the team to define it in writing.


Helpful add-ons (free tools)



Next Steps and Resources:

The following websites are incredibly helpful when navigating the Special Education world. · www.wrightslaw.com


Need help personalizing your letter or planning next steps? I offer one-on-one support—virtual anywhere in the U.S. and in-person across NY/NJ. Work with me.


About the Author

Allison Rosenberg Meyerson is a special education advocate with 30+ years in the classroom and as a literacy specialist. She is Orton-Gillingham Certified, a COPAA SEAT 1.0 graduate, and a Dyslexia Advocate. Based in Warwick, NY, she supports families across NY, NJ, and virtually nationwide through The IDEA Ally.


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