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Support resources for the disability community.

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Disability Glossary

Disability Glossary Common terms, abbreviations, and acronyms explained in plain language.

If you're new to the disability community, you may come across words, abbreviations, and acronyms that are unfamiliar. This glossary is designed to explain common terms in plain language to help you better understand services, programs, professionals, and supports you may encounter throughout your journey.

AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Tools or methods that help a person communicate when speech is difficult. Examples include communication devices, picture boards, sign language, communication books, tablets, and speech-generating devices.

ABA: Applied Behaviour Analysis. A therapy that focuses on teaching skills while helping reduce behaviours that interfere with everyday life. Modern ABA programs often emphasize communication, independence, and positive reinforcement.

ADOS: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. A standardized assessment used by trained clinicians to help evaluate whether a person meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It assesses communication, social interaction, play, and behaviour through structured activities.

AHS: Alberta Health Services. Alberta's provincial health authority responsible for delivering healthcare services throughout the province.

ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder. A developmental disability that affects communication, social interaction, behaviour, sensory processing, and learning. Every autistic person is unique with different strengths and support needs.

ASL: American Sign Language. A visual language used by many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals throughout Canada and the United States.

BCBA: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. A professional trained in behaviour analysis who supports individuals and families with behaviour planning, skill development, communication, and positive behaviour strategies.

CLBC: Community Living British Columbia. A provincial organization that supports eligible adults with developmental disabilities living in British Columbia.

CLdS: Community Living disABILITY Services. A Manitoba program providing supports for eligible adults with intellectual disabilities.

CNIB: Canadian National Institute for the Blind. A national organization providing programs, services, advocacy, and resources for Canadians who are blind or have low vision.

DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition). The manual used by qualified healthcare professionals to diagnose many developmental, neurological, and mental health conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

DSP: Disability Support Program. A name used by several provinces for disability-related funding, financial assistance, or support services. Programs vary depending on the province.

EA: Educational Assistant. A school staff member who supports students with learning, communication, behaviour, personal care, and daily classroom activities while working alongside the classroom teacher.

Executive Functioning: The brain's management system that helps with planning, organizing, starting tasks, remembering information, managing time, problem solving, and regulating emotions and behaviour.

FASD: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. A lifelong disability resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure that may affect learning, memory, behaviour, communication, attention, and daily living skills.

FSCD: Family Support for Children with Disabilities. An Alberta government program that helps eligible families access funding and services for children with disabilities.

Gestalt Language Processing (GLP): A language development style where an individual learns language in whole phrases or "chunks" before learning individual words. Many autistic children are gestalt language processors.

Hyperfixation: An intense focus or interest in a particular topic, hobby, activity, or object for an extended period of time. Hyperfixations are common in ADHD and autism.

IEP: Individual Education Plan. A written school plan outlining accommodations, supports, goals, and services for students requiring additional educational support.

IPP: Individualized Program Plan. Similar to an IEP, an IPP outlines learning goals, accommodations, supports, and progress for students who require additional educational assistance. Alberta commonly uses the term IPP.

ISP: Individualized Service Plan. A personalized plan developed by service providers and families that outlines goals, supports, and services. The exact purpose may vary depending on the organization or province.

LAMP: Language Acquisition through Motor Planning. An AAC approach commonly used on speech-generating devices that helps individuals communicate by developing consistent motor patterns rather than memorizing pictures.

Neurodivergent (ND): A term describing individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered typical. This may include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological differences.

Neurodiversity: The understanding that neurological differences are natural variations of the human brain rather than something that always needs to be fixed.

Neurotypical (NT): A term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning are considered typical.

OAP: Ontario Autism Program. An Ontario program that provides autism-related funding, services, and supports for eligible children and youth.

ODSP: Ontario Disability Support Program. An Ontario program that provides financial and employment support for eligible adults living with disabilities.

OT: Occupational Therapist. A healthcare professional who helps individuals improve independence in daily activities, including sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care, handwriting, feeding, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.

PDA: Pathological Demand Avoidance (also commonly referred to as Persistent Drive for Autonomy). A profile sometimes associated with autism where a person experiences significant anxiety around everyday demands or expectations.

PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System. An AAC approach that teaches communication using pictures and symbols to help individuals express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas.

PT: Physiotherapist. A healthcare professional who helps improve movement, strength, coordination, balance, posture, mobility, and physical function.

PWD: Persons with Disabilities Benefit. British Columbia's disability assistance program providing financial support to eligible adults living with disabilities.

RD: Registered Dietitian. A regulated healthcare professional who provides nutrition counselling, feeding support, meal planning, and dietary guidance.

Respite: Temporary care that allows caregivers to rest, attend appointments, spend time with family, or simply recharge while ensuring their loved one continues receiving safe and appropriate care.

Restrictive Eating: Eating only a limited variety of foods due to sensory preferences, anxiety, routine, medical concerns, or other factors. This is common in autism and is more complex than simply being a picky eater.

RMT: Registered Massage Therapist. A regulated healthcare professional who provides therapeutic massage to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall physical well-being.

SAID: Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability. A Saskatchewan income support program for eligible individuals living with long-term disabilities.

SAIL: Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living. A Saskatchewan program that helps eligible individuals obtain medical equipment and assistive devices.

Sensory Processing: The way the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses, including sound, light, touch, movement, taste, and smell.

SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist. A healthcare professional who supports speech, language development, communication, social communication, feeding, swallowing, and the use of AAC devices.

SPD: Sensory Processing Disorder. A term commonly used to describe significant challenges processing sensory information. Although widely recognized by many professionals, SPD is not currently a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5.

Stimming: Self-stimulatory behaviours such as hand flapping, rocking, humming, spinning, or fidgeting that help regulate emotions, manage sensory input, or express excitement.

New to diagnosis

New to diagnosis Step-by-step guidance for parents.

Trust your observations

Start documenting what you see. Keep notes for 2–4 weeks:

Behaviors you notice
Videos (short clips can help clinicians)

This makes appointments much more productive.

Book a primary care appointment

Schedule with your child's family doctor or pediatrician and say clearly:

"I have developmental concerns and would like an autism/developmental screening referral."

Bring your notes.

After Diagnosis: Take a breath

Diagnosis is information, not a limit. A diagnosis explains needs — it does not define your child's potential.

Many parents feel grief, relief, fear, guilt, confusion, or all of it at once. That's normal.

School supports

Request a meeting with principal, teacher, and inclusive education staff.

Apply for funding and support

Apply for funding through your province. Advocate confidently. Keep records, assessments, emails, and reports organized. Even before diagnosis, some children qualify for:

Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Parent coaching
Preschool supports
Behavioral supports
Early intervention programs

Build your support team

Your caseworker through the province, or your school may have a list of professionals. Depending on needs:

Speech-language pathologist
Occupational therapist
Psychologist
Pediatrician
Teachers / school staff
Parent support groups
Respite providers

Learn regulation strategies & protect family mental health

Often behavior = communication. Helpful tools:

Visual schedules
Predictable routines
Transition warnings
Sensory breaks
Quiet spaces
Choice-making
Co-regulation (your calm helps their calm)

Parents burn out easily. Get:

Respite
Counseling if needed
Parent groups
Practical help from family/friends
Time for yourself when possible

Federal

Disability Connection Hub is not affiliated with government programs or agencies. We provide links and information to help users find relevant resources. Please visit official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Funding & Financial Support

Canada Disability Benefit Visit site ↗

The Canada Disability Benefit provides direct financial support to people with disabilities who are 18-64 years old. The program is administered by Service Canada.

Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits Visit site ↗

A Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit is a monthly payment that you could receive if you are over 18 and under 65 years old and unable to work because of a disability.

Disability Tax Credit Visit site ↗

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.

Registered Disability Savings Plan Visit site ↗

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help people with disabilities who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit save for the future. When you open a plan, you may also get grants and bonds from the Government of Canada to help with your long-term savings.

Child Disability Benefit Visit site ↗

The child disability benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) children's benefits Visit site ↗

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) children's benefits provide monthly payments to the dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors.

Alberta

Funding & Financial Support

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Visit site ↗

Funding and services for families raising children with disabilities.

Income Support Alberta Visit site ↗

Financial assistance for individuals and families in need.

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Visit site ↗

Financial and health benefits for eligible adults with disabilities.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Visit site ↗

Funding and services to support adults in community living.

Health & Home Support

AHS Home Care Visit site ↗

Provides in-home support including personal care, nursing, and respite.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) Visit site ↗

Access health services, programs, and supports across Alberta.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) Visit site ↗

Supports young children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Alberta Children’s Services Visit site ↗

Access programs supporting children and families such as prevention of family violence, adoption, and early childhood intervention.

Accessibility & Equipment

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) Visit site ↗

Helps cover the cost of medical equipment and assistive devices.

Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) Visit site ↗

Provides short-term loans of medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.).

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB Alberta Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Deaf & Hear Alberta Visit site ↗

Programs and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Alberta Association of the Deaf Visit site ↗

Advocacy and support for the Deaf community.

British Columbia

Funding & Financial Support

Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefit Visit site ↗

Monthly financial assistance and health supports for eligible individuals with disabilities.

At Home Program Visit site ↗

Provides medical benefits and support for children with severe disabilities.

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) Visit site ↗

DABC formally known as The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD). Financial support, advocacy, support, and programs for people with disabilities.

Health & Home Support

Home & Community Care (BC) Visit site ↗

Provides in-home support services including nursing care, therapy, and personal support.

HealthLink BC (811) Visit site ↗

Free 24/7 health advice and information.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Community Living BC (CLBC) Visit site ↗

Supports adults with developmental disabilities to live independently and participate in their communities.

Early Intervention Therapies Visit site ↗

Supports children with developmental delays including autism and other disabilities.

Accessibility & Equipment

Assistive Devices Program (through Health Authorities) Visit site ↗

Provides access to equipment and assistive devices based on individual needs.

Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) Visit site ↗

Provides short-term loans of medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.).

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB British Columbia Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility Visit site ↗

Provides services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) Visit site ↗

DABC formally known as The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD). Financial support, advocacy, support, and programs for people with disabilities.

Assistive Technology BC (ATBC) Visit site ↗

Provides assistive technology support, equipment loans, and services for students and individuals with disabilities.

BC Government Website Visit site ↗

Services for people with disabilities

Manitoba

Funding & Financial Support

Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) – Disability Program Visit site ↗

Provides financial assistance for individuals with disabilities who need help with basic living costs.

Children’s disABILITY Services (CDS) Visit site ↗

Provides support and funding to families caring for children with disabilities at home.

Health & Home Support

Manitoba Home Care Program Visit site ↗

Provides in-home support including personal care, nursing, and respite services.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Community Living disABILITY Services (CLdS) Visit site ↗

Supports adults with intellectual disabilities to live independently and participate in the community.

Children’s Therapy Initiative (CTI) Visit site ↗

Provides therapy services (speech, occupational, physiotherapy) for children with developmental needs.

Accessibility & Equipment

Manitoba Possible – Assistive Technology Program Visit site ↗

Provides funding and access to assistive technology and devices to improve independence and quality of life.

Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) Visit site ↗

Short-term loans of equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB Manitoba Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Visit site ↗

Support and advocacy for people who are hard of hearing.

SMD – Society for Manitobans with Disabilities Visit site ↗

Provides programs, employment supports, and services for individuals with disabilities.

New Brunswick

Funding & Financial Support

Disability Support Program (DSP) Visit site ↗

Provides funding and services to help individuals with disabilities live independently and participate in their communities.

Social Assistance Program Visit site ↗

Provides financial support for basic needs such as food, rent, clothing, and other essential living expenses for individuals and families in need.

Health & Home Support

Extra-Mural Program (EMP) Visit site ↗

Provides home health services including nursing, rehabilitation, and support to help individuals remain at home safely.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Family Supports for Children with Disabilities Visit site ↗

Provides support and resources to help families address the unmet needs of children with disabilities.

Accessibility & Equipment

Health Services – Medical Supplies, Equipment & Related Supports Visit site ↗

Provides access to programs that may loan or fund medical equipment, supplies, and other health-related supports for eligible individuals.

Mobility and Adaptive Equipment Loan Program Visit site ↗

Loans specific mobility and adaptive equipment to eligible individuals to support daily living and safety

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB New Brunswick Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Ability New Brunswick Visit site ↗

Provides support, advocacy, and services for individuals with mobility disabilities.

Support Options for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Visit site ↗

Provides guidance and links to services for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing in New Brunswick, including interpreting and community supports.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Funding & Financial Support

Income Support Program Visit site ↗

Provides financial assistance for basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing for individuals and families in need.

Provincial program providing financial assistance to families to help offset disability-related costs of caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability at home.

https://www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/disabilities/family-support-program/

Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit Visit site ↗

Financial supports for those with low income.

Health & Home Support

Offers home-based, family-centered early intervention services for young children with significant developmental delays.

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/earlychildhood/dhsp/

Developmental & Disability Programs

Provides life-changing, inclusive recreational and developmental programs for children and youth with varying disabilities.

https://eastersealsnl.ca/

Accessibility & Equipment

Provides basic medical supplies and specialized mobility equipment to individuals with disabilities.

https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/mcp/sap/

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

Offers vital community-based support, advocacy, and education and operates multiple regional centres offering parent support groups and navigation services.

https://asnl.ca/

Northwest Territories

Funding & Financial Support

Provides Income Assistance & NWT Child Benefit to help cover basic needs and disability-related expenses.

https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca

Health & Home Support

Offers community-based health care and home support services to assist families in caring for children with significant health needs or disabilities at home.

https://www.nthssa.ca

Developmental & Disability Programs

A territorial organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities and offers various programs, information, and navigation services for families across the territory.

https://www.nwtdc.net

Accessibility & Equipment

A national organization providing programs that assist families in the Northwest Territories with the purchase and maintenance of mobility equipment and assistive devices.

https://www.marchofdimes.ca

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

Provides lifelong support, respite care, and community inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

https://inclusionnwt.ca

Nova Scotia

Funding & Financial Support

Department of Community Services | Direct Family Support for Children (DFSC) and Enhanced Family Support for Children (EFSC) provide funding to enable families to support their child with a disability at home.

https://novascotia.ca/coms/disabilities/DirectFamilySupportForChildren.html

Health & Home Support

Provides care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes.

https://iwkhealth.ca/

Developmental & Disability Programs

Inclusion Support and Early Childhood Development Intervention Services. Support and resources for families with children diagnosed with/at risk for developmental delay from birth to school entry.

https://childcarenovascotia.ca/families/inclusion-early-intervention

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

Offers a range of programming, services and advocacy across the lifespan for the autism community across the province.

https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/

Provides recreation and sport programs, wheelchair recycling, assisted mobility programs, and disability awareness programs.

https://easterseals.ns.ca/

Nunavut

Funding & Financial Support

Provides financial assistance and specialized support coordination for families in Nunavut caring for children and dependents with physical or developmental disabilities to help cover the costs of daily living.

https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/family-services

Health & Home Support

Offers in-home nursing, personal care, and much-needed respite services to help families support children and loved ones with health conditions or disabilities in their own communities.

https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/home-and-community-care

Developmental & Disability Programs

Delivers specialized educational programming, Individual Student Support Plans (ISSPs), and educational assistants to ensure children with developmental disabilities have equitable access to learning.

https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/education/student-support

Accessibility & Equipment

A federally funded health benefit program for registered Inuit in Nunavut that covers the costs of essential accessibility equipment, mobility aids, and medical supplies for children with disabilities.

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572537161086/1572537234780

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

The primary territorial advocacy and support organization representing Nunavummiut with disabilities, offering community resources, systemic advocacy, and direct support networks for individuals and families.

https://www.nuability.ca/

Ontario

Funding & Financial Support

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Visit site ↗

Provides financial assistance and employment supports for individuals with disabilities.

Special Services at Home (SSAH) Visit site ↗

Funding to help families care for children with developmental or physical disabilities.

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Visit site ↗

Provides financial support to low- and moderate-income families caring for children with severe disabilities.

Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) Visit site ↗

Financial support for families with children (can apply alongside disability supports).

Health & Home Support

Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) Visit site ↗

Coordinates in-home care, therapy, and community health services across Ontario.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Visit site ↗

Provides funding and services for children and youth on the autism spectrum.

Accessibility & Equipment

Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Visit site ↗

Helps cover the cost of equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, visual aids, and communication devices.

Ontario March of Dimes – Assistive Programs Visit site ↗

Provides funding, programs, and equipment support for individuals with disabilities.

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB Ontario Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) Visit site ↗

Services and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

March of Dimes Canada Visit site ↗

Programs, advocacy, and support for individuals with physical disabilities.

Prince Edward Island

Funding & Financial Support

Social Assistance Program Visit site ↗

Provides financial support for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and other essential living expenses.

Health & Home Support

AccessAbility Supports Visit site ↗

The program supports people disabilities who experience substantial impairments in their activities of daily living.

Home Care Program Visit site ↗

Provides a range of in-home health care and support services including nursing, personal care, and rehabilitation.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Support for Medical Equipment and Supplies Visit site ↗

Provides access to programs that help cover the cost of medical equipment and assistive devices.

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB Prince Edward Island Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

ResourceAbilities Visit site ↗

Provides programs, advocacy, employment support, and services to promote inclusion and independence for individuals with disabilities across Prince Edward Island.

Quebec

Funding & Financial Support

Retraite Québec – Disability Benefits Visit site ↗

Provides financial support for individuals with disabilities through public programs.

Financial Assistance Program – Persons with Disabilities Visit site ↗

Provides income support for individuals with disabilities who are unable to work.

Health & Home Support

Health Network Services – Living at Home Support Visit site ↗

Provides access to home care services, family support, and resources to help individuals with disabilities live safely at home.

Home Care Support Services Visit site ↗

Provides in-home care including nursing, rehabilitation, and daily living support to help individuals remain independent at home.

Developmental & Disability Programs

Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ) Visit site ↗

Provides guidance, support, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Accessibility & Equipment

RAMQ – Assistive Devices Program Visit site ↗

Provides coverage for mobility aids, visual aids, and other assistive equipment.

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

INCA (CNIB Quebec) Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Kéroul (Accessible Tourism Quebec) Visit site ↗

Promotes accessibility and inclusion across Quebec communities.

Saskatchewan

Funding & Financial Support

Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) Visit site ↗

Provides financial assistance for individuals with significant and long-term disabilities.

Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) Visit site ↗

Financial support for individuals and families with low income.

Health & Home Support

Saskatchewan Home Care Program Visit site ↗

Provides in-home support services including personal care and nursing.

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

CNIB Saskatchewan Visit site ↗

Support for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) Visit site ↗

Programs and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

SaskAbilities Visit site ↗

Provides programs, services, and support for individuals experiencing disability.

Yukon

Funding & Financial Support

Services for People with Disabilities

https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/care-services/find-out-about-services-people-disabilities

Health & Home Support

Yukon Home Care Program | Offers nursing, personal care, and respite services to assist families in caring for children with complex health and medical needs at home.

https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/care-services/apply-home-care

Developmental & Disability Programs

Child Development Centre (CDC) Yukon

https://cdcyukon.ca/

Accessibility & Equipment

Canadian Red Cross - Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP)

https://www.redcross.ca/in-your-community/yukon/health-equipment-loans

Support Organizations (Support for individuals including vision, hearing, and mobility)

Offers advocacy, resources, systems navigation, and dedicated community support for families raising neurodivergent children and individuals on the autism spectrum.

https://autismyukon.org/