Glossary

1. AAC

Short for augmentative and alternative communication. It includes gestures, sign systems and devices used with or instead of speech to support communication.

2. Access

The right of people with disabilities to enjoy the same services and public spaces as people without disabilities. It includes physical, intellectual, sensory, emotional and psychological accessibility.

3. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

A neurodevelopmental difference that begins in childhood. Children or adults have difficulty focusing on tasks, become hyperactive and have difficulty sitting still, or behave impulsively. ADHD is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

4. ALIA Australian Library and Information Association

The peak professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.

5. Allied health professional

A trained health professional such as an occupational therapist, speech pathologist or social worker.

6. Auslan

Australian sign language developed by, and for, Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired.

7. Autism

A neurodiversity affecting how a person thinks, moves, interacts with others, and senses and processes their environment. It is different to what other people may expect as typical or usual behaviour.

8. Braille

A tactile writing system used by people who have a visual impairment.

9. Capacity building

The process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organisations and communities need to survive, adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world (UN).

10. Cerebral palsy (CP)

A disability where movement, muscle tone, balance, and posture are affected. People with cerebral palsy may also have epilepsy or difficulties with learning, speech, hearing and vision.

11. Collaboration

Working together to achieve a common goal or product.

12. Community

An area or place together with the people who live there; people sharing or having beliefs or interests in common.

13. Developmental age

The age of an individual determined by the degree of emotional, mental, anatomical, and physiological maturation.

14. Developmental disability

Challenges in physical, learning, language, or behavioural development arising before adulthood that may impact on day-to-day functioning.

15. Developmental level

Another way of saying a child is moving through a certain period in growing-up. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence, yet has a unique course for every child. It does not progress at the same rate and each stage is affected by the preceding developmental experiences.

16. Disability

A physical or mental condition that may limit a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Current approaches are to change outdated perceptions of disability and empower families to create the best life for their child now and into the future.

17. Disability Inclusion Action Plan

A plan required by governments, public authorities and organisations to reduce and remove barriers for people living with a disability. Aspects include how they will foster positive attitudes and behaviours in their community, create accessible and liveable spaces, increase opportunities for employment, and improve systems and processes.

18. Discrimination

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people especially on the grounds of disability, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religious or political beliefs.

19. Early childhood educator

Teachers who work with children typically aged between 2–5. They introduce children to a school environment, implement a curriculum, and support children’s wellbeing, learning and development.

20. ECEC (Early Childhood Education and Care)

A term covering all early childhood education and care services, programs and settings. It also broadly describes practices in all formal settings attended by children in their preschool years. ECEC recognises the integration of care and learning that characterises the healthy development of young children and informs the practices of educators in all settings.

21. ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention)

A national program supporting children aged 0–6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families. It is funded through The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS has engaged Early Childhood Partners across Australia to deliver the ECEI approach.

22. ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)

Specialised support and services for infants and young children with disability or developmental delay to help their development, wellbeing and participation in family and community life.

23. Noise cancelling headphones

Headphones that reduce unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control.

24. Inclusion

The right of every person to participate meaningfully in all aspects of community life.

25. Invisible disability (also called hidden disabilities)

A disability that is not obviously apparent, but can impact a person’s movement, senses or activities.

26. Key Word Sign (KWS)

The use of signs and natural gestures to support the communication and language development of children and adults with communication difficulties. KWS is one of the most widely used strategies used by people of all ages who cannot communicate by speech alone and incorporates some signs from Auslan.

27. LAC (Local Area Coordinator)

Work with people with a disability aged 6–65 to access the NDIS, government services and supports, and build their capacity to be an active part of their community. Children from birth to 6 years are supported by ECEI partners.

28. Makaton

A language that uses signs and symbols for communication.

29. Mental illness

Disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking and behavior.

30. NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)

An independent statutory authority established in 2013 to support a better life for Australians with a significant or permanent disability, and their families or carers.

31. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

A system by the Australian Government that funds supports and services for people living with disability. It became fully operational in 2020.

32. Parent peer worker (or peer worker)

People with lived experience of raising a child with a disability who have received training to support other families.

33. Plumtree

A not-for-profit organisation that provides support for young children aged birth to 8 years old with a developmental delay or disability and their families, and services for the wellbeing of all families.

34. Positive attention

Interactions such as pleasant words, affectionate physical contact or mannerisms that make the recipient feel validated, encouraged or supported.

35. Positive behaviour support

A comprehensive approach to assessment, planning and intervention that focusses on addressing a person’s needs, their home environment and overall quality of life.

36. Reinforcement

The action or process of strengthening, encouraging or establishing a pattern of behaviour or belief.

37. Rhymetime

A session with rhymes, singing and stories.

38. Routines

Procedures, commonplace tasks, chores, or duties that be must be done regularly or at specified intervals; unvarying habits or actions that occur at the same time every day and are carried out in the same way.

39. Sensory

Relating to sensation from the physical senses: sight, sound, taste, smell and touch.

40. Social story

A communication aid to help children understand a situation, skill or concept and guide behaviour. Social stories help with prompts, perspectives and responses in a formatted template that is familiar to the child.

41. Stimming

Repetitive or unusual movements or noises that can help a person reduce sensory overload, focus attention, or calm down from strong emotions like anxiety, anger or excitement. For children with autism who are undersensitive, stimming can stimulate their senses.

42. Storytime

A session with stories, songs, and creative play.