Plain-language glossary

Words that services and forms use, explained simply. If a word you have met is missing, please tell us on the feedback page.

Search the glossary

Access to Work: A government scheme that can pay for equipment, support workers, travel or coaching so you can start or stay in work.
Accessible Information Standard: A rule for health and adult social care in England: services must find out, record and meet your communication needs.
Advocacy: Support from someone independent who helps you say what you want and understand your options.
Assistive technology: Any equipment or software that helps you do something more easily, such as a screen reader, hearing aid, voice control or reminder app.
Auxiliary aid: Extra equipment or support that helps a disabled person use a service, such as a hearing loop, captions or an interpreter.
Direct payments: Money paid to you by your council so you can arrange your own care and support instead of the council arranging it.
EHC planAlso called: Education, Health and Care plan: A legal document in England setting out a child or young person's needs and the support they must receive. Other UK nations have their own equivalents.
Equality Act 2010: The main law protecting disabled people from discrimination in England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland uses the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 instead.
Mandatory reconsideration: Asking the Department for Work and Pensions to look again at a benefit decision. It is usually the first step before appealing.
Needs assessment: A conversation with your council about the help you need day to day. It is free and does not depend on your income.
PIPAlso called: Personal Independence Payment: A benefit for working-age people who need help with daily living or getting around. It is not means-tested. Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment instead.
Post-exertional malaise: Symptoms getting worse after physical, mental or social activity, often a day or more later, and taking a long time to settle. It is a key feature of ME/CFS.
Public sector equality duty: A duty on public bodies to think about how their decisions affect disabled people and other protected groups.
Reasonable adjustment: A change an employer, school or service makes so a disabled person is not put at a disadvantage. Examples include changing a rule, providing equipment, or altering a building.
Substantial and long-term: The legal test for disability. Substantial means more than minor. Long-term usually means it has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 12 months.