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Glossary of Terms Used in this Website

Cerebral palsy	A condition occurring either prenatally, during birth, or shortly after birth in which the developing brain lacks for oxygen, and resulting in uncoordinated movements and muscle weakness.
CHAT	Community Health Assessment Tool (formally known as VISTA)
CHDD	Center on Human Development and Disability at the University of Washington
CHIF	Child Health Intake Form
CHRMC	Refer to Seattle Children'
Cleft lip	Birth defect resulting in separation of the upper lip.
CISS	Community Integrated Service Systems
Cleft palate	Birth defect or gap in the roof of the mouth resulting in an open passage within the nose.
CSHCN	Children with Special Health Care Needs
DDS	Disability Determination Services. A State program which is part of DSHS, but which contracts with the Federal Social Security Administration.
DEL	Department of Early Learning
DHHS	Department of Health and Human Services (Federal)
DOH	Department of Health (State)
Down Syndrome	Birth defect involving extra chromosome that results in mental and physical disability.
DSHS	Department of Social and Health Services (State)
DVR	Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (State)
ESIT	Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (formally known as Infant Toddler and Early Intervention Program - ITEIP)
Early intervention	Programs or services designed to meet the developmental needs of infants or toddlers (birth to three) and their families.
Epilepsy	Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy and seizure disorders can seriously impact the lives of children and youth. It can affect the development of their brains, causing negative effects in their educational achievement, and restrictions in their lifestyle.
FACCT	Foundation for Accountability
FEPP	Family Educator Partnership Project
Fetal alcohol syndrome	A pattern of physical and mental birth defects that are the direct result of a mother drinking alcohol while pregnant.
Gastroschisis	Birth defect in which the abdomen does not properly form a muscle wall and internal organs are exposed.
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HMHB	Refer to WithinReach
IDEA	Individuals with Disabilities Act (Federal)
HRSA	Refer to MPA
ITEIP	Refer to ESIT
LEND	Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
LHJ	Local health jurisdiction, usually a county health department.
Limb reduction defects	Birth defect in which an arm or leg fails to fully develop.
MAA	Refer to HRSA
MBCH	Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington
MCH	Maternal and Child Health (State)
MCHB	Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Federal)
MPA	Medicaid Purchasing Administration (State) (formerly know as Health and Recovery Services Administration - HRSA)
Medicaid	A federal health insurance program that provides payment for medical expenses for those who meet income limits.
Medical home	A Medical Home is an approach to providing health care in a high-quality and cost-effective manner through a partnership between families and providers. Children receive the care they need from a pediatrician and other health care professionals and are able to access all the medical and non-medical services needed to help them achieve their maximum potential.
NDCs	Neurodevelopmental Centers
Neurodevelopmental conditions	Problems affecting the development of the central nervous system or brain resulting in delayed or unusual motor, speech, social, or learning deficits.
Omphalocele	Birth defect resulting in a hernia or bulging of the navel (belly button).
Oral facial anomalies	Birth defects of the mouth or face.
OSPI	Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (like a Department of Education in other states)
Part C/IDEA	The part of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act that authorizes grants to the states for early intervention services for infants and toddlers birth to three within each state's criteria for eligibility.
QuiCC-R	Questionnaire for Identifying Childhood Chronic Conditions – Revised
Region IX	DHHS region of the US that includes California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii
Region X	DHHS region of the US that includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska
Seattle Children's	Seattle Children's Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington (formally known has Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center)
Spina bifida	Birth defect in which the spinal column remains open and the spinal column is exposed at birth.
SSA	Social Security Administration (Federal)
SSI	Supplemental Security Income (Federal)
Title V	The federal funding from the Social Security Act that supports public health services for women, infants, children, including those with special health care needs.
UW	University of Washington
VISTA	Refer to CHAT
WIC	Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in Washington.
WithinReach	Formally know as HMHB - Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
WorkFirst	WorkFirst is Washington State’s welfare reform program.

Unless otherwise noted, all materials and forms on this page are in PDF format.

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

To request documents on the Children with Special Health Care Needs Web site in alternative format, contact cshcn.support@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-3571