Key Terms

There are a number of key technical terms used in this handbook, which are defined in the Glossary because they have very specific definitions established by federal statute, regulations, or program requirements. At the beginning of each chapter, a figure provides a list of the key terms used in that chapter, which are defined in the Glossary. It is important that readers familiarize themselves with the definitions of these terms presented in the Glossary, as well as with the content of the chapter.

Uses of “Disability” and “Persons with Disabilities”. In this handbook, the terms “disability” and “persons with disabilities” have more than one definition.

• a. One set of definitions for these terms are used when determining a family’s eligibility under multifamily subsidized housing programs that assist persons with disabilities. See Figure 3-6 and the Glossary for the definitions used when determining eligibility.

• b. Separate and distinct definitions of these terms apply to requirements and procedures addressing civil rights protections. See the Glossary for these definitions.

• c. See paragraph 2-23 for more information about the use of these terms in the handbook.