Glossary
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401(k)
A retirement account option offered by an employer into which an employee can contribute part of their salary before taxes are calculated. Some employers match a percentage of an employee’s contributions to their 401(k).
A
accommodation
An adjustment to your job duties or environment that makes it possible for you to do your job. A majority of employees with autism require some type of accommodation in their employment. Some of those accommodations are easy and inexpensive to implement, while other accommodations require a more thoughtful plan.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account
A savings account that helps people with disabilities and their families save for housing, education, transportation, medical and other expenses related to their disability. It helps individuals with disabilities, including autism, save for future needs without losing access to other resources.
ally
A person you can talk to when you need advice or support related to your job.
alternative methods of communication
Methods of communication for people who can't use speech (talking) to communicate. Examples include sign language and using a computer for speech.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
A federal law protecting the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. The ADA says that employers cannot discriminate against people with disabilities and must provide reasonable accommodations so they can do their jobs.
B
benefits counselor
Someone who helps check skills needed for community living, like employment, self-advocacy, transportation, home living and health and safety.
budget
A plan for your money based on your expected income and expenses.
C
childhood disability benefits (CDB)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments made to a child with a disability. The child’s parents’ work history is taken into consideration to determine whether or not enough work credits have been earned for SSDI benefits.
Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC)
Employees of the Social Security Administration’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program who are specifically trained to help provide guidance to people with disabilities and receiving disability benefits.
cover letter
A letter to potential employer that expresses your interest in a specific job or company and what makes you a good candidate.
credit
The amount an individual is allowed to purchase in the absence of immediate payment, such as using a credit card.
credit score
A number assigned to a person based on their credit history that indicates to lenders their ability to repay a loan.
credit union
A type of financial institution similar to a bank. Credit unions are not-for-profit and are owned by their members.
D
disability certification
A document that certifies the type and extent of an individual’s disability.
Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)
Also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), DIB is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have paid sufficient Social Security taxes from previous work.
Disabled Widow or Widower's Benefits (DWB)
A program federally funded and administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) that pays benefits to the disabled widow or widower of a deceased worker who had earned enough Social Security credits.
disclosure
Telling your employer and coworkers about your disability. Disclosure is your choice.
E
executive functions
A group of top-down mental processes used when concentrating, focusing attention, holding information in working memory and mentally working with the information. Higher order executive functions include reasoning, problem solving and planning.
F
flexible spending account (FSA)
A special account you put money into that you use to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. You don’t pay taxes on this money. This means you’ll save an amount equal to the taxes you would have paid on the money you set aside.
G
guardian
Also called legal guardian. The person who has legal responsibility to take care of a child or adult.
H
health insurance
A government program through which people without health insurance can find information about health insurance options and also purchase health insurance.
Health Insurance Marketplace
A contract that requires your health insurer to pay some or all of your health care costs in exchange for a premium. Health insurance is often a benefit provided by employers.
health savings account (HSA)
A special account you put money into that you use to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. You don’t pay taxes on this money. This means you’ll save an amount equal to the taxes you would have paid on the money you set aside.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
A Medicaid waiver program that allows states to offer services to people with disabilities who don’t qualify for Medicaid. HCBS pays for group homes and independent living.
I
individual retirement account (IRA)
An investment account for retirement savings. Contributions or withdrawals may be tax-free.
internship
A period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time. Most internships are unpaid.
J
job coach
Someone who helps you learn how to do your work and the daily tasks that you’re responsible for.
job contract
A document signed by both employer and employee at the start of employment that details the benefits and responsibilities of the job, including salary, time off and other company policies.
L
life insurance
A plan in which a person pays premiums to an insurance company in exchange for a sum of money either on the death of the insured person or after a set period. Many employers offer life insurance in the amount of the employee’s salary at no charge to the employee.
A website/mobile app primarily used for professional networking where job seekers can post their resumes and employers can post jobs.
M
Medicaid
A U.S. government program that provides health coverage to many Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is managed by each state, and each state sets its own program guidelines.
Medicare
The U.S. federal health insurance program for Americans who are 65 or older, as well as certain young people with disabilities. Different parts of Medicare help cover specific services.
money mapping
A system used to help you keep track of your income (money you earn) and expenses (money you spend) so you can make a plan to meet your financial goals. Also called budgeting.
N
natural supports
Supports used in the workplace that do not require formal modifications, such as using a smartphone to help follow a routine.
P
paratransit
Transportation services that are more flexible than public transportation, like trains and buses that have a fixed route and schedule. Paratransit often uses a minibus, but it also can be shared-ride taxis, a carpool or a vanpool.
pension
A retirement plan that provides a monthly income in retirement.
phishing
A type of scam where someone sends you a fake message to trick you into revealing your personal information, like your password, account information or social security number.
R
reasonable accommodations
Realistic changes in the workplace that help employees with disabilities do their job. Examples include adapting certain equipment or lighting, changing the way tests and trainings are provided or offering flexible work schedules.
reference
A name given to a potential employer of a person you have worked with in the past or who has served as a teacher, mentor or group leader, who can provide information about you as a potential candidate.
remote work
A job that is done outside of a traditional office environment, usually from home.
resume
A document that summarizes your skills and qualifications for a position.
retirement account
An account into which funds are deposited to be used after an individual is no longer working.
S
scan
An assessment of how a workplace environment meets your needs.
self-advocacy
Being able to communicate your needs and preferences to others. It includes understanding your needs and legal rights, knowing what help and support you need, and communicating your needs to others.
sensory break
A short break from activities to help you self-regulate. For example, you may take a sensory break, like leaving the room for a short time, to reduce discomfort from sounds, sights, lights or other people. Or you may take a break, like taking a walk, when you need to boost your energy or to be better at paying attention.
sensory regulation
The ability to take action to deal with challenging emotions or behavior or sensory discomfort. For example, you may count or take deep breaths to calm yourself down. Also called self-regulation.
social communication skills
Skills needed to communicate with people. Examples include being able to have a conversation with someone; using non-verbal communication like body language; and using language for different reasons, like to give information or to ask a question.
Social Security
A U.S. government program that pays money to people with limited income, including people with disabilities and people who are retired or don’t have jobs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A U.S. government program available for adults who have a disability that began prior to age 22. SSDI can be considered a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.
soft skills
Non-technical skills in the workplace such as work ethic, teamwork, organization, willingness to learn and creative problem solving.
special needs trust
A savings fund that provides money to a person with disabilities but doesn’t affect if the person gets government benefits like Social Security or Medicaid.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
A federal nutrition assistance program that provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A U.S. government program that provides cash to people with disabilities who have limited income (less than $2,000 in their name).
Supported Decision-Making (SDM)
A tool that allows people with disabilities to retain their decision-making capacity by choosing supporters to help them make choices.
supports
Tools or services that help people with autism in their daily lives. Examples include visual schedules, communication devices, home health aides and job coaches.
T
termination
When an employee is no longer part of the company/organization's workforce.
terms of employment
Benefits and responsibilities agreed upon between an employer and employee during the hiring process.
Ticket to Work
A U.S. government program that connects people age 18-64 who get Social Security disability benefits and want to work with free employment services, including job counseling, vocational rehabilitation, job training and job placement.
V
visual prompt
Also called a visual cue. A picture, video or written instructions that help you learn or know to do a task or follow directions.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
A state agency that provides employment services to people with disabilities. Services are paid for by the federal and state government.
