glossary
 

Adaptive Technology (AT)
“Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” (from IDEA, see below). Examples of AT for children who are visually impaired includes, but is not limited to, braille writers, low vision devices, “talking computers,” etc.

ASSETT
Assistive Services to Schools for Education, Technology, and Training. A Statewide support program for students with sensory disabilities and/or augmentative communication needs.

Braille
A system of reading and writing in which letters and word are formed by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingers.

Cognitive Development
The acquisition of the ability to think, reason, and problem solve.

Convergence
The movement, as an object approaches, of both eyes toward each other in an effort to see a single image of that object.

Early Supports & Services (Early Intervention)
Individualized programs of instruction and therapy developed for children younger than 3 years old who have a disability, developmental delay, or are at risk for a developmental delay

Fine Motor Skills
The ability to use small muscles such as those in the hands and the face (e.g. drawing, using a fork, drinking from a straw).

Fixate
Focus on an object

Gross Motor Skills
Skills that involve large muscles such as those in the arms, legs, and abdomen (for example, throwing a ball, walking, sitting up).

IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

IEP
Individual Education Plan. The education plan developed by the team for students who are in need of special education and/or related services due to a disability.

IFSP
Individual Family Service Plan. The service plan developed by the early intervention team for children ages 0 to 3.

Intake
Initial interview to gather information from the family prior to beginning Early Supports and Services.

Independent Living Skills
Skills needed to take care of oneself and become more independent (e.g. eating, dressing, etc.) Also referred to as Self Help skills and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Learning Media Assessment
Evaluation to determine the most effective instructional materials and methods to facilitate learning for a student with a visual impairment. The individual child's learning style, preferred mode of communication and use of sensory channels should be considered.

Literacy Media Assessment
Evaluation to determine the most effective and appropriate reading and writing media for a child. Media considered should include Braille, large print, regular print, print with low vision devices, auditory media, or a combination of these.

Low Vision Services
Services designed to help an individual maximize the use of his/her vision through optical and non-optical devices and strategies.

MICE
Multi-Sensory Intervention through Consultation and Education. NH Program that provides statewide support services to Early Intervention Programs and direct services to families with children who have sensory impairments.

NAPVI
National Association of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. New Hampshire has an active chapter.

NFB
National Federation of the Blind. A consumer organization. NFB has an active chapter in New Hampshire.

NOAH
National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation. New Hampshire has an active chapter.

Object Permanence
The concept that things continue to exist even when they can no longer be seen, heard, or touched.

Orientation & Mobility (O&M)
The educationally related service by which a child develops body image, spatial organization, safety, independent travel skills. Instruction is provided by qualified Orientation & Mobility Instructor.

SBVI
Services for Blind and Visually Impaired. Division of the NH Department of Education-Adult Learning and Rehabilitation. Provides statewide services to adults who are blind and visually impaired

Self-Help Skills
Skills needed to take care of oneself and become more independent (e.g. eating, dressing, etc.) Also referred to as Independent Living (IL) skills and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).