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T-Z - Definitions Appendix

The DDS Definitions Appendix defines the terms and acronyms relevant to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) service delivery system.

- T -

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

One of the muscular side effects of anti-psychotic drugs, especially the older generation likaaropertdol. TD does not occur until after many months or years of taking antipsychotic drugs, unlike akathisia (restlessness), dystonia (sudden and painful muscle stiffness) and Parkinsonism (tremors and slowing down of all body muscles), which can occur within hours to days of taking an antipsychotic drug. TD is primarily characterized by random movements in the tongue, lips or jaw as well as facial grimacing, movements of arms, legs, fingers and toes, or even swaying movements of the trunk or hips. TD can be quite embarrassing to the affected patient when in public. The movements disappear during sleep. They can be mild, moderate or severe.

Team

The individual and the group of people chosen by the individual who provide support to that individual. The team is most often comprised of the Service Coordinator, members of the individual’s family, friends and/or guardian. For purposes of this policy, the use of the term “team” includes the Interdisciplinary Team as used in 42 CFR §483 and 22 DCMR, chapter 35 for persons in a regulated residential setting.

Temporary Emergency Guardian for Healthcare Decisions

An individual who is appointed by court order to make medical decisions based on substituted judgment as a guardian for someone else, whose authority is for a specified period of time, and who usually is appointed in an emergency care or urgent care situation pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 21-2046.

The Abnormal Involuntary Movement — or AIMS — Scale

The AIMS (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) aids in the early detection of tardive dyskinesia. This simple checklist takes only 10 minutes to complete and uses a five-point rating scale for recording scores for seven body areas: face, lips, jaw, tongue, upper extremities, lower extremities, and trunk. It is used to monitor movement disorders for individuals taking any kind of antipsychotic medication. Aversive. The use of unpleasant, painful, uncomfortable or distasteful stimuli to try to change an individuals behavior. The use of aversive interventions is strictly prohibited in all programs funded or operated by DDS.

Theft by an Individual of an Individual's Personal Property or Funds

Theft, taking, or destruction of personal property may include, but is not limited to:

  1. Loss of funds; 
  2. Unauthorized withdrawal or use of funds;
  3. Use of an individual's funds for activities not related to the individual;
  4. Borrowing of an individual's funds or property without permission; and 5. Destruction or taking of personal property. Note: The inclusion of property theft or destruction in a behavior support plan does not preclude the requirement for restitution for any stolen or destroyed property of an individual.

Theft of An Individual's Personal Property or Funds

Any intentional or unintentional theft, taking, or destruction of an individual's property or funds, whether it is suspected or confirmed by anyone other than the individual, without permission or legal authority if that behavior is addressed in the offending individual's behavior support plan.

Tour of Duty 

Seven (7) consecutive days of coverage between 4:45 pm and 8:15 am every weekday and 24-hours per day on Saturday, Sunday, official government holidays, or any day of official government closing. Each tour of duty will begin on Thursday at 4:45 pm and conclude the following Thursday at 8:15 am.

Training

A systematic and organized presentation of information that promotes on-the-job application of targeted competencies (i.e., applicable awareness, knowledge, and skills). Training, by definition, is not limited to a classroom environment. It can also consist of self-study training manuals, computer-based training programs, 'hands-on' application and on-the-job shadowing and monitoring, etc. To be effective, training needs to be applied to the job with the support of the agency.

- U -

University Legal Services

A private, non-profit organization that serves as the District of Columbia's federally mandated protection and advocacy system for the human, legal and service rights of people with disabilities.

  1. Augmentative Communication Devices 
  2. Sound Amplifiers 
  3. TTY Devices 
  4. Braille Devices 
  5. Learning Toys 
  6. Talking Calculators 
  7. Computer Software 
  8. Other Customized or Modified Barrier Reducing Equipment.

Urgent Need

Significant risk of having basic human needs go unmet.

- V -

Vehicular Accident

Any vehicular accident involving an individual, without injury. Any injuries to individuals that require medical attention should be reported as a serious physical injury.

- W -

Wait List 

When an applicant is deferred for services due to lack of existing resources and his/her name is placed on a list for future consideration for services.

Willful

Intentional acts or omissions or the reckless disregard for the safety and consequences of one’s acts or omissions.

Work/Day Supports

Refers to the routine provision of services and assistance provided in accordance with a person's ISP that are designed to help the individual obtain or maintain paid employment; to foster vocational skills to assist in the movement toward paid employment; to support retirement activities; or to assist the individual to gain the social and leisure skills necessary for increased presence and independence in the community.

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