Glossary and Acronyms

As you read information from educators, medical providers, and community organizations, you may come across unfamiliar acronyms and terms. This glossary is designed to provide a brief definition and explanation of common terms you may encounter throughout your journey.

A

Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)

Accessible educational materials are school materials that are made so that every student can use them, whether they watch, read, listen, or learn in different ways. An example for a deaf/hard of hearing learner may include videos that are closed captioned and interpreted from English to ASL.

Accommodations

Accommodations are supports or changes that help a student learn in a way that works best for them. Some examples of accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing may include: sitting closer to the teacher, using captions on videos, extra time on tests, or using sign language interpreters.

Acoustics

Acoustics is about how sound travels and is heard in space. Good acoustics mean that sound is clear and easy to hear. Poor acoustics mean that sound may echo, bounce around, or get lost in background noise, making it harder to hear what someone is saying.

Acoustic Room Treatment

Acoustic Room Treatment is when special materials are used in a room to improve how sound is heard. For example, adding carpet, ceiling tiles, or curtains can make a classroom quieter by soaking up background noise. This makes it easier for students who use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other hearing devices to hear the teacher and classmates clearly.

Acquired Hearing Loss

An acquired hearing loss means that a child is born hearing and then loses hearing later in life. It could be caused by things like illness, injury, or loud noise exposure.

Air Conduction (AC)

This is the way we usually hear sound. Sound travels through the air, goes into the ear canal, hits the eardrum, moves through the middle ear, and finally reaches the inner ear. Hearing tests often use air conduction to check how well someone hears through this normal pathway.

Ambient Noise

Ambient noise is the background sounds in a space, like fans, people talking, traffic outside, or machines running. These sounds can make it harder to hear the main person talking, especially for someone who uses hearing devices.

American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL is a visual language used mainly by Deaf people in the United States and Canada. People use hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. ASL is a full language with its own grammar, sentence structure, and way of expressing ideas. It is not based on English and has its own rules.

Amplification

This means using devices to make sounds louder. Examples include hearing aids, DM systems, and loop systems. Amplification can support a person with hearing loss in having greater access to speech and environmental sounds.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

These are electronic tools that help people who are deaf/hard of hearing hear more clearly. They include things like personal hearing aids, DM systems (which send a speaker’s voice directly to the listener’s ear through a transmitter and receiver), special phones or TV adapters, alarm clocks with vibrations or lights, and other systems that make sounds easier to hear in noisy places.

Assistive Technology (AT)

AT is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal education law, AT means any tool or equipment—whether bought from a store, adapted, or custom-made—that helps a child with a disability learn, move, communicate, or have better access to daily activities. This includes things like speech-generating devices, screen readers, or special keyboards. It does not include devices that are surgically placed in the body (like cochlear implants) or anything used to replace those surgical devices.

Audiogram

An audiogram is a chart used to show the results of a hearing test. It shows the quietest sounds a person can hear at different pitches (frequencies), from low to high. These results help audiologists understand the degree (how much) and type (what kind) of hearing loss a person has. It is a key tool in creating a hearing plan or deciding if hearing aids or other devices are needed.

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

ANSD is a hearing condition where the inner part of the ear (called the cochlea) may work normally, but the auditory nerve (which sends sound to the brain) does not send signals clearly or consistently. Because of this, a person might hear sounds, but they may seem jumbled or unclear, making it hard to understand speech, especially in noisy places. ANSD is different from other types of hearing loss and needs specific testing and support.

Auditory/Oral

Auditory/oral is an approach to teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It focuses on helping children use their residual hearing (whatever hearing they have) as much as possible. Children use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other devices, and they are taught to listen and speak through therapy and practice.

Auditory Training

Auditory training is a type of therapy or teaching that helps a person who is deaf/hard of hearing learn to recognize, understand, and make sense of sounds. It often helps children (and adults) learn to listen better using their hearing devices. For example, they may practice listening to different sounds or voices and matching them with meaning.

Aural Habilitation/Rehabilitation

Aural habilitation are services and therapies that help people who are deaf/hard of hearing learn (or re-learn) to use their hearing.

Habilitation is for children who are learning to hear and speak for the first time.

Rehabilitation is for people who lose their hearing later in life and need support to adjust.

These services may include speech and language therapy, listening training, and sometimes lip-reading (also called speechreading).

B

Bicultural

Being bicultural means a person belongs to or feels part of two different cultures. For example, a Deaf or hard of hearing person may be part of Deaf culture (which uses sign language and has its own values and traditions) and part of hearing culture (which communicates mostly by speaking and listening).

Bilateral vs. Unilateral

Bilateral and unilateral hearing loss are terms used to describe which ear(s) are affected:

Bilateral hearing loss means both ears are affected.

Unilateral hearing loss means only one ear is affected.

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

A BAHA is a type of hearing device surgically attached to the bone behind the ear. It sends sound vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear, which helps people who cannot use regular hearing aids because of problems with their outer or middle ear.

Bone Conduction

Bone conduction devices use bone vibration of the skull to provide sound information, instead of through the ear canal. It is used in certain types of hearing tests and hearing devices, like BAHAs.

C

County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD)

In Ohio, each county has a County Board of Developmental Disabilities (sometimes called a CBDD or DD Board). These are local government agencies that help people with developmental disabilities and their families find and use the services they need. This might include help with early childhood services, school supports, job training, housing, transportation, and community activities.

CBDDs help coordinate services that are funded through local tax dollars, state and federal programs, and Medicaid. They also help create a service plan based on the person’s needs and goals, often called an Individualized Service Plan (ISP). A Service and Support Administrator (SSA) from the county board may work directly with the person and family to help them learn about options, choose providers, and solve problems.

Every person must go through an eligibility process to receive services from the county board. Services and supports may be different depending on the person’s age, disability, and the resources available in the county.

C-Print

C-Print is a real-time captioning system that shows spoken English as printed text while someone is talking. It gives a meaning-for-meaning version of what is said (not word-for-word) so students who are deaf or hard of hearing can read along during class.

Captionist

A captionist is the person who types and provides real-time captions using systems like C-Print or CART. Captioning allows students to see spoken information as text on a screen.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

CAPD is a condition where testing shows a person can hear sounds well, but they have trouble understanding or making sense of what they hear. This happens in the brain—not the ears. People with CAPD may struggle to understand speech, especially when there's background noise. It is different from auditory neuropathy, which involves the nerve pathway between the ear and the brain.

Closed Captioning (CC)

Captions show spoken words and sounds, like music or laughter, as text so people can follow along. Unlike open captioning, which is embedded in a video, closed captions can be turned on or off, and are the words that appear on a screen during a movie, TV show, or video.

Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that helps provide a sense of sound for those who no longer benefit from hearing aids. It has two parts:

A piece worn outside the ear called a sound processor, and

A part that is placed under the skin behind the ear and into the inner ear.
It works differently from a hearing aid—it bypasses damaged parts of the ear and sends sound signals straight to the hearing nerve on the brain.

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART)

CART is another form of real-time captioning. A trained captioner types everything that is spoken, word-for-word, and it shows up on a screen, either on a personal device or projected for a group. It helps students who are deaf or hard to hear follow spoken information as it happens.

Comprehensive Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation is a full assessment that looks at many areas of a child’s development, such as learning, behavior, physical abilities, emotions, and social skills. It helps determine if a child qualifies for special education services. It also shows the child’s strengths and needs, which are used to plan an (Individualized Education Program).

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss happens when sound has trouble moving through the outer ear or middle ear. It may be caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, or a problem with the eardrum or small bones in the ear. In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated with medicine or surgery.

Configuration of Loss

Configuration of loss refers to the pattern or shape of a person's hearing loss on an audiogram. It shows how much hearing a person has at different pitches (frequencies) and helps audiologists understand the person’s overall hearing profile.

Congenital Hearing Loss

Congenital hearing loss is when a baby was born deaf/hard of hearing or became deaf/hard of hearing very shortly after birth. It might be caused by something that happened during pregnancy or delivery, or due to inherited (genetic) conditions.

Critical Mass

Critical mass means having enough students with similar needs, like using the same language or communication method or being in the same age group, so that they can learn and interact with each other. Having a critical mass provides opportunities for friendship, communication, and social development.

Cued Speech, Cued Language

Cued Speech, also called Cued Language, is a visual system that helps people understand spoken language. It uses handshapes placed near the mouth to show the different sounds in spoken words. It is used along with lip reading to make speech clearer and easier to understand, especially for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Unlike visual phonics, cued language can be used in connected speech.

D

Deaf

When spelled with a capital "D," this word often refers to Deaf culture and people who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their main way of communicating. People who are culturally Deaf may not see themselves as having a disability but as part of a linguistic and cultural community. The term can also refer more generally to someone with a significant hearing loss who relies more on vision than hearing to communicate.

Deafness (as defined by IDEA)

Deafness, as defined by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, is a hearing loss so severe that the child cannot understand speech through hearing alone, even with hearing aids or other devices. It affects how the child learns and communicates at school.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)

This is a broad term people use to describe any degree of hearing loss or any type of hearing condition. It includes a wide spectrum, from those with mild or moderate hearing loss in one or both ears, to those who are profoundly deaf.
People who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use a variety of communication methods, such as spoken language, sign language, hearing aids, cochlear implants, or a combination.
Some people identify culturally as Deaf, using American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary language, while others identify as hard of hearing and may use mostly spoken language. This term recognizes and respects the diversity of experiences within all communities.

Deafblind

This means a person has a combination of both hearing and vision loss, which may range from mild to total in either sense. Deafblindness can affect how a child communicates, moves, and accesses learning. In Ohio, students who are deafblind should be registered on the Ohio Deafblind Census.

Deaf Community

This refers to a group of people who use ASL and share common values, social norms, traditions, and cultural identity related to being Deaf. The Deaf community often connects through shared experiences and social interaction using sign language.

Deaf Culture

Deaf culture includes values, beliefs, art, language, and ways of interacting that are unique to people who identify as culturally Deaf. ASL is a key part of this culture, and many Deaf people value visual communication, shared experiences, and strong community connections.

Deaf Studies

Deaf studies is an area of study that looks at the history, language, culture, and literature of Deaf people. It also explores the relationship between Deaf and hearing communities.

Decibel (dB)

A decibel is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is. The higher the number of decibels, the louder the sound. For example, normal speech is about 60 dB, while a whisper might be around 30 dB. Decibels are also used in hearing tests to show how much hearing a person has.

Degree of Hearing Loss

This describes how much hearing a person has lost, usually based on the quietest sounds they can hear at different pitches. The levels of hearing loss are often grouped like this (in decibels or dB):

Normal = –10 to 15 dB

Slight/Minimal = 16 to 25 dB

Mild = 26 to 40 dB

Moderate = 41 to 55 dB

Moderate to Severe = 56 to 70 dB

Severe = 71 to 90 dB

Profound = 91 dB or more

(Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)

Department of Children and Youth (DCY)

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is a state agency that focuses on helping children and families thrive. DCY oversees many programs that support children’s health, learning, and safety from birth through young adulthood. DCY was created to bring together services that used to be spread across different state agencies. Now, programs like early childhood education, childcare, child welfare (foster care and adoption), early intervention for young children with disabilities, and maternal and infant health are all under one department. This change is meant to help families get the support they need more easily, without having to contact multiple state agencies. DCY is also responsible for helping oversee public preschool programs, including special education preschool for children with disabilities ages three to five.

Digital Modulation (DM) System

A Digital Modulation system is a wireless, digital device that can help a deaf or hard of hearing student hear speech better in noisy environments and across distances. It works by sending the speaker’s voice (usually the teacher) directly to the student’s hearing aid, cochlear implant, or other device. The speaker wears a microphone, and the student wears a receiver. This helps reduce background noise and makes speech clearer. In the past, these devices were called FM Systems, because they used frequent channels. Now, digital devices enhance the quality of the device.

E

Early Intervention (EI)

Early Intervention is a state program that supports families with children under age three who have disabilities or developmental delays. For children with a medical diagnosis of hearing loss, families automatically qualify for EI. You can get support at home or in your community to help your child grow and learn. EI providers work with you to find ideas, tools, and services that fit your child’s needs. For example, they might help you create a language-rich environment at home or connect you with speech, hearing, or other therapies. EI services are part of Part C of IDEA, a federal law that ensures support for young children with disabilities.

Earmold

An earmold is a custom piece made to fit in a child’s outer ear. It connects to a hearing aid and helps guide sound into the ear. Earmolds are made from soft materials like silicone or plastic and are shaped to each person's ear for a good fit and comfort. For young children, ear molds may need to be replaced often, as young ears grow.

Ear, Nose and Throat Physician (ENT)

An ENT is a medical doctor who treats conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. They are also called otolaryngologists. ENTs can check for and treat ear infections, hearing conditions, and other medical issues related to the ears. They can prescribe medication and insert ear tubes or hearing implants as needed.

Educational Audiologist

An educational audiologist is an audiologist who has additional training specific to working in schools. They serve students who are deafhard of hearing succeed by checking hearing equipment, suggesting classroom adjustments (like seating or acoustics), and supports schools understanding of how hearing affects learning.

Educational Interpreter

An educational interpreter is a professional trained to translate spoken language into sign language (or other visual communication methods) and vice versa. They work in school settings to help students who are deaf or hard of hearing understand lessons, participate in class, and interact socially.

Educational Service Centers (ESC)

ESCs are agencies in Ohio that support school districts by offering training, technology, special education services, and more. They help schools improve student learning and access to services and resources. There are 52 ESCs across Ohio.

English Sign Systems

These are sign systems created for educational use that follow English word order. They include signs for spoken English words and grammar and are different from American Sign Language, which has its own grammar. Examples include Signed English and Signing Exact English.

Etiology

Etiology means the cause or origin of a condition. For example, the etiology of hearing condition could be genetics, illness, injury, or unknown.

Evaluation Team Report (ETR)

The evaluation team report is the written report created after a full evaluation to see if a child qualifies for special education services. The ETR explains a child’s strengths and needs, and it is used to help develop their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Expanded Core Competencies (ECC)

These include life skills that students who are Deaf or hard of hearing may need embedded into their regular school curriculum. These skills help students learn what other children may pick up just by watching or listening. ECC might include learning about technology, communication skills, self-advocacy, social interaction, and safety.

F

Fingerspelling

Fingerspelling is a way of using sign language to spell out words one letter at a time. Each letter of the alphabet has its own handshape. Fingerspelling is used for names, places, or words that do not have a specific sign. It has also been used to support literacy.

Frequency

Frequency is how high or low a sound is, also called pitch. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a flute makes high-frequency sounds, while a drum makes low-frequency sounds.

Functional Gain

Functional gain shows how much better someone can hear noises or understand speech with their hearing device compared to without it. For example, if a child hears sounds at 70 dB without a hearing aid and 30 dB with it, the functional gain is 40 dB. This helps audiologists check if the hearing device is working well.

G

Gesture
A gesture is a movement of the body, like waving or pointing, that helps express an idea or feeling. Gestures are not part of a formal sign language, but they can help with communication, especially for young children or those learning language.

H

Hard of Hearing

This term usually means a person has some access to sound, though it may be limited. People who have some functional hearing may choose to identify as deaf or hard of hearing depending on personal preference. A person who is hard of hearing might use hearing aids, cochlear implants, spoken language, sign language, or a combination of these.

Hearing Aid

A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear. It amplifies sound and can be programmed to clarify speech. Hearing aids are fitted and adjusted by an audiologist to meet a person’s unique hearing needs.

Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT)

This includes tools that can help people who are deaf/hard of hearing hear better, especially in noisy places or from far away. It includes DM systems, loop systems, and devices that connect to phones, TVs, or alarms. HAT is often used along with hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve listening in classrooms or at home.

Hearing Loss (also see Deaf or Hard of Hearing)

Hearing loss is often used as a medical term and can look different for each person. Here are some terms you might see:

Asymmetrical: hearing is different in each ear

Bilateral: hearing loss is in both ears

Fluctuating: hearing goes up and down over time

Progressive: hearing gets worse over time

Stable: hearing does not change much over time

Suddenly: hearing loss happens quickly or unexpectedly

Symmetrical: both ears have the same level of hearing loss

Unilateral: hearing loss is only in one ear

Hearing Impairment as Defined by IDEA

A hearing impairment, as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, includes any kind of hearing loss that affects a child’s ability to learn but is not as severe as deafness. The hearing loss may be permanent or come and go (fluctuating) and may still cause challenges in the classroom.

Hearing Screening

A hearing screening is a quick check to see if someone might have heard loss. Screening plays different tones at different volumes. If a person does not hear all the tones, they are referred for more testing. It is a first step, not a diagnosis.

I

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An IEP is a legal plan that explains the special education services and supports a qualified student with a disability will receive at school. It includes the child’s strengths, needs, goals, accommodations, services, placement, and how progress will be measured.
The IEP is for children ages 3 to 21, and it is part of Part B of IDEA, a federal education law. The IEP is developed by a team which includes parents or legal guardians.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

The IFSP is a written plan for children from birth to age 3 who qualify for early intervention services. It lists the services the child and family will receive and includes goals based on the child’s developmental needs. It also supports the family’s role in helping the child grow. The IFSP is required by Part C of IDEA and is often used in home or community settings.

Individualized Service Plan (ISP)

The ISP is a plan developed by the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. It lists the supports and services that will be provided to a child or adult with a disability, based on their needs and goals. The ISP is used in many areas of life—home, school, and community.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA is the federal law that ensures students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education. It explains who qualifies for services, how evaluations must be done, and how schools must support children with disabilities from birth through age 21. IDEA has different parts:

Part B covers school-age children (3–21)

Part C covers infants and toddlers (birth–3)

Integrated Multi-Tier System of Supports (IMTSS)

IMTSS is a school-wide system used to identify and support students who may be experiencing challenges with academics or behavior. It has three levels (tiers) of support:

Tier 1: support for all students

Tier 2: extra help in small groups

Tier 3: individualized support

If a child does not improve after trying these supports, the school might begin a special education evaluation.

Intensity

Intensity refers to how loud a sound is and is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the louder the sound. For example, a whisper is around 30 decibels, and a vacuum cleaner is around 70 decibels.

Intervener

An intervener is a trained paraprofessional (aid), who works one-on-one with a student who is deafblind. They help the student understand what is happening around them by using the child’s preferred way of communicating. Interveners also help the child access and connect with people, information, and activities in their learning environment.

Intervention Specialist (IS)

This is a licensed teacher who has additional training to support students with disabilities in the classroom. They might be the primary teacher or co-teach with other teachers. They work with students directly and help general education teachers adapt lessons, follow the IEP, and support learning and social-emotional needs.

L

Language

Language is the system we use to communicate ideas, whether through spoken words, written text, or signs like ASL. Language includes understanding (receptive language) and expressing (expressive language).

ASL is a visual language with its own grammar and structure.

Spoken and written English has its own grammar and rules, too.

All languages include parts like:

Phonology (sounds or handshapes)

Morphology (word parts)

Syntax (sentence structure)

Semantics (meaning)

Pragmatics (how we use language socially)

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

LRE means that a child with a disability should learn with children who do not have disabilities as much as possible. The tools, supports, setting, and people needed to help the child learn are included in this decision. The goal is to provide an appropriate education in the most inclusive setting that meets the student’s needs.

Listening and Spoken Language Therapy

This is a type of therapy that helps children who are deaf/hard of hearing learn to listen and speak. It uses research-based teaching strategies that focus on using hearing devices (like hearing aids or cochlear implants) to develop spoken language skills through listening.

Low Vision

Low vision means that a person has impaired vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, surgery, or medicine. People with low vision may still see some things but may need tools like magnifiers, large print, or special lighting to help them with daily living.

M

Mainstream or Inclusion

Mainstreaming means a student with a disability attends classes with their peers who do not have disabilities, either partially or full time. This is also called inclusion. The goal is for the student to participate in general education as much as possible, while still getting the support they need. Decisions about mainstreaming depend on the child’s needs and are part of the IEP process.

Manually Coded English

This term refers to sign systems that are designed to show spoken or written English using signs. These systems use signs in English word order and may include signs for word endings (like -ing or -ed). Examples include Signed English and Signing Exact English (SEE II). These systems are different from ASL, which is a separate language.

Mixed Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss includes both:

A conductive part (problems in the outer or middle ear), and

A sensorineural part (problems in the inner ear or hearing nerve).

Mixed hearing loss means sound has trouble traveling through the ear and also isn’t processed well by the inner ear.

Modification

A change is a change in what a student is expected to learn. Unlike accommodations, which help a student access the same material, modifications adjust the material itself. For example, a student might write an outline for an essay or project instead of writing it.

Monaural Amplification

This means using a hearing aid in just one ear, even if both ears have hearing loss. Sometimes this is done when only one ear can benefit from amplification or based on the child’s needs.

Multi-Disciplinary Team

This is a group of professionals from different fields (like teachers, therapists, and audiologists) who work together to support a student. The team may do evaluations and help create plans like the IFSP or IEP, depending on the child’s age. Parents are also important team members.

O

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is the state agency that oversees services and supports for people with developmental disabilities across Ohio. DODD creates rules, policies, and programs to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, and participate fully in their communities.

DODD works closely with the local County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) in each county. While DODD runs the state-level programs and sets the rules, the county boards work directly with individuals and families in their communities. For example, DODD manages the Medicaid waiver programs, while the county boards help families apply for services and coordinate their support plans.

DODD also provides training for professionals, makes sure services meet state and federal requirements, and helps improve the disability system statewide.

If you have questions about services for your child or family, your county board is usually the first place to contact. DODD supports the county boards but does not provide direct services to individuals and families.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

An OT is a trained professional who supports children as they build their fine motor skills and learn to do everyday activities (like holding a pencil, feeding themselves, or getting dressed). They also can work with children who have sensory processing or coordination challenges. An OT may also be involved in using and selecting AAC.

Office for Exceptional Children (OEC)

This office is part of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. OEC provides support and oversight to schools that serve students with disabilities and gifted students. OEC helps make sure schools follow special education laws like IDEA.

Ohio Accessibility Manual

This guide explains the accessibility tools and supports available for students taking Ohio’s state tests in grades 3–12. It includes what accommodations are allowed for all students, and which ones are just for students with disabilities or English language learners. It helps schools give fair and appropriate testing conditions.

OCALI

OCALI is a resource center that creates and shares tools, training, and guidance to support people with disabilities. They focus on helping individuals live their best lives, from birth through adulthood, including school, work, and community life. They do this by informing public policy and partnering with agencies.

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

OCECD is a non-profit organization that supports families of children with disabilities. They offer training, information, and one-on-one help.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW)

DEW is the state agency that oversees public education in Ohio. It supports schools, sets learning standards, and helps ensure students, especially those with disabilities, get the education they need.

Ohio’s Learning Standards

These are the statewide expectations for what students should know and be able to do in each grade and subject, from preschool through grade 12. Schools use these standards to plan lessons and measure student progress.

Ohio’s Learning Standards – Extended (OLS-E)

The OLS-E are standards designed for students with significant complex needs who learn in different ways. The extended standards still focus on important skills and high expectations, but they allow students to show learning in multiple ways.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

OOD is a state agency that serves people with disabilities in Ohio who want to get jobs, live independently, or seek Social Security Disability benefits. They provide job training, support services, and transition guidance for young adults.

Otitis Media

This is a middle ear infection. Children with frequent or untreated infections may have temporary or fluctuating hearing loss. If not properly managed, it can lead to more serious or lasting hearing issues.

Otologist

An otologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the ear and hearing, including balance. They can diagnose and treat complex ear conditions and often work closely with audiologists and ENTs.

P

Parent Mentor

A Parent Mentor is a parent of a child with a disability who has been specially trained to support other families. They work for schools or educational service centers and help families understand special education, communicate with schools, and find resources. The Parent Mentor Project is funded through the Department of Education and Workforce and is overseen by the Ohio State University Center for Education, Training, and Employment.

Physical Therapist (PT)

A PT is a professional trained to improve children’s gross motor skills—the big movements like crawling, walking, jumping, or climbing stairs. They may also help with balance, strength, and movement coordination.

Pidgin Signed English (PSE)

PSE is a blended signing system that combines parts of American Sign Language (ASL) with English word order. It is sometimes used when Deaf and hearing people communicate and may not follow all the grammar rules of either ASL or English.

Postlingual Deafness

Postlingual deafness means a person lost their hearing after learning a spoken language. It often happens later in childhood or adulthood.

Pragmatics

Pragmatics refers to the social rules of language, how we use language in real conversations. This includes things like taking turns while talking, using appropriate tone and body language, or knowing what to say in different situations.

Prelingual Deafness

Prelingual deafness means a person became deaf before they learned a spoken language, usually at birth or during infancy.

Prior Written Notice (PWN)

Prior written notice is a written document the school must give parents before making changes to a child’s special education services or placement. It explains what the school is proposing or refusing to do and why. It is one way to make sure parents are informed and involved in decisions.

Progressive vs. Sudden Hearing Loss

Progressive hearing loss gets worse over time, sometimes due to health issues like a tumor or damage from certain medications.

Sudden hearing loss happens quickly, such as after an illness, injury, or trauma.

Both types need medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Pure-Tone

A pure-tone is a single-pitch sound used in hearing tests. Audiologists use these tones to check how well someone hears different frequencies (pitches), from low to high.

R

Real-Time Captioning

Real time captioning means that a trained captioner types spoken words as they happen, and the text appears instantly on a screen. It is often used in schools, meetings, or live events so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can follow the conversation.

Residual Hearing

Residual hearing is the hearing a person still has, even if they have hearing loss. For example, someone might not hear soft sounds but can still hear loud ones. Amplification devices, like hearing aids or cochlear implants, often help make use of residual hearing.

Reverberation

Reverberation means that sound bounces off surfaces and lingers in a room, like an echo. Too much reverberation can make it hard to clearly understand speech, especially for students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Good classroom design and sound-absorbing materials (like carpet or acoustic tiles) help reduce reverberation.

S

Section 504

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This act protects people with disabilities from discrimination and access barriers. In schools, Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities get the support and services they need to access learning, even if they do not qualify for special education under IDEA. A 504 Plan is a written document that lists the accommodations a student needs to learn alongside their peers.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is a kind of hearing loss that happens when the hearing nerve or inner ear (cochlea), does not work as expected. Sounds may be quieter and often unclear or distorted. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent.

Service and Support Administrator (SSA)

An SSA works for your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. They help your family create and manage an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for your child. SSAs help with goal planning, connecting to services, and making sure the right supports are in place.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The signal to noise ratio is the difference between the voice you want to hear (like a teacher talking) and the background noise (like fans or other students talking). A good signal-to-noise ratio means the speaker’s voice is much louder than the background noise. This is important for all students and especially for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, whether they use a hearing device or not.

Signed English

A sign system that uses ASL signs in English word order, along with special signs (called markers) to show English grammar (like plurals or verb tenses). It is often used to help young children learn English and reading skills.

Signing Exact English (SEE)

SEE is a manual sign system that represents spoken English exactly. It uses ASL signs, along with created signs and handshapes, in English word order. It is used mostly in educational settings to support English language development.

Simultaneous Communication (SimCom)

SimCom involves using spoken language and sign language at the same time. It is often used in classrooms to give students access to both spoken English and visual language, though it may not follow the full grammar of ASL or English. This can also be called sign supported speech.

Social Model vs. Medical Model of Disability and Deafness

There are different ways people think about disability and Deafness. Two common perspectives are the medical model and the social model. Many families and professionals find that both models can be useful, depending on the context.

The Medical Model sees disability or deafness as a condition that affects how the body or mind works. From this view, the goal is to diagnose, treat, or support the person to improve function. For example, an audiologist might recommend hearing aids or cochlear implants to help a child hear sounds more clearly and develop spoken language. This model focuses on access to medical tools, therapies, and early intervention, which many families find helpful and empowering.

The Social Model sees disability or Deafness not as a problem within the person, but as a mismatch between the person and their environment. From this point of view, the barriers come from things like lack of captioning, poor acoustics, or assumptions about how people should communicate. For example, a Deaf student may do very well with sign language, interpreters, and inclusive practices, no “fix” is needed, just access and respect. This model focuses on changing systems and attitudes to make spaces more inclusive for everyone.

In practice, many families and professionals use a blend of both models. A child may benefit from medical support, like hearing technology, while also thriving in sign language and Deaf culture. Understanding these models helps families explore all options, honor their child’s identity, and advocate for meaningful support.

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)

Specially designed instruction refers to customized teaching methods used to help students with disabilities access the curriculum and engage in learning. It can include changes to what is taught, how it is taught, or how learning is delivered. SDI is a key part of a student’s IEP and is provided based on their individual needs.

Speechreading (also called Lip Reading)

Speechreading is the skill of understanding spoken words by watching the speaker’s lips, face, and body language. People who are deaf or hard of hearing often use speech reading along with listening or sign language to help understand speech.

Speech and Word Recognition

Speech recognition refers to a person’s ability to hear and understand spoken words. Hearing the sound is one part; making sense of the words in speech or written language is another.

Speech Intelligibility

Speech intelligibility describes how clearly a person’s speech can be understood by someone else. For example, a child might be able to say words, but if others cannot understand them, their speech intelligibility may be low.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

An SLP is a trained specialist who works with children and adults on speech, language, communication, feeding, or swallowing. In schools, SLPs help students build skills for speaking, understanding, social communication, and more.

Speech Perception

Speech perception is the ability to understand speech sounds that are loud enough to be heard. Even if a child hears the sounds, they might not recognize or make sense of them, especially in noisy environments.

State Support Team (SST)

State Support Teams are regional teams in Ohio that help schools with preschool, special education, and school improvement. They work with families and educators to improve learning for all students, especially those with disabilities.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss is a hearing loss that happens very quickly, often over hours or days. It can be caused by things like an illness, head injury, or unknown reasons. Sudden hearing loss should be treated as a medical emergency.

Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Hearing Loss

Symmetrical hearing loss means both ears have the same amount and pattern of hearing loss.

Asymmetrical means each ear has a different level or type of hearing loss.

Syntax

Syntax refers to the rules for putting words together in a sentence. Every language has its own syntax. For example, in English we say, “The boy is running,” but in ASL, the word order may be different to match ASL grammar. For example, you would sign boy and run, without using the word “the.”

T

Teacher of the Deaf (TOD)

A Teacher of the Deaf is a licensed intervention specialist who has additional training to support the specific needs of deaf or hard of hearing learners. They provide direct instruction, support classroom learning, and help teachers and families understand the students’ needs. TODs also support language development, literacy, and communication skills.

Threshold

A hearing threshold is the softest sound a person can hear at least 50% of the time during a hearing test. It helps audiologists understand how well and consistently a person hears different sounds.

Total Communication

Total communication is an approach that uses all available communication methods, including sign language, spoken language, lip reading, fingerspelling, and more. The idea is to use whatever combination works best for the individual child.

Transition

Transition means moving from one stage to another.
In education, it can refer to:

Early transition: moving from early intervention (birth to 3) to preschool services at age 3.

Secondary transition: planning for life after high school, starting at the age of 14, including jobs, further education, and adult services.

Transition planning is important for helping youth with disabilities prepare for the next stage, independence, and adult life.

Transition Plan

This is a written part of the IEP that outlines the goals, steps, and services needed to help a student move from school to adulthood. It may include job training, college prep, independent living skills, or connections to adult services.

Transition Services

These are the supports and coordinated activities designed to help students with disabilities prepare for a new phase of life. In particular, you may hear about two transition periods. The first is about very young children transitioning from at home Early Intervention services, to public preschool special education services. The second is about supporting students so they are set for adult life after high school. Services are based on the student’s goals and may include school-based programs, community experiences, or help with jobs and independent living.

U

Unilateral Hearing Loss

This means hearing loss in only one ear. The other ear may have normal hearing or some hearing loss too. Even though one ear hears well, children with unilateral hearing loss may still have trouble locating sounds, hearing in noise, or understanding speech in group settings.

V

Visual Impairment, including Blindness.

Visual impairment, as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, means a child has trouble seeing—even with glasses or medical treatment—and it affects their ability to learn. It includes both partial sight and blindness. It does not include problems like dyslexia or other brain-based learning issues related to how the brain processes visual information.

Video Relay Services (VRS)

VRS is a service that provides access for people who use ASL to make phone calls. A Deaf caller uses a video phone to sign to an interpreter, who then speaks to the hearing person at the other end. The interpreter relays the responses by signing them back to the Deaf caller.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

VR programs help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. Services may include career counseling, job training, getting connected to college or trade school, funding assistive technology, or accommodation and development of job skills in the workplace. In Ohio, these services are provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).