Glossary - S

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Schizophrenia - a significant disturbance of the mind. To diagnose Schizophrenia, Psychiatrists look for two or more of the following symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, very disorganized behavior, catatonic behavior (no movement at all), little emotion (compared to normal for the person), trouble speaking, or reduced "goal-directed behavior" (trouble getting things done). Because other problems can cause these symptoms, psychiatrists look for the problems to last six months or more before they diagnose schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can usually be at least partly controlled with drugs, but there is not usually a cure.

Severe Disability - see Person with a Severe Disability

Sores - see Decubitus Ulcers (the medical term for bed sores).

Spasm - An involuntary contraction of muscles, causing a clinching or twitching of that part of the body. In persons with spinal cord injuries, spasm of the paralyzed muscles is common and can interfere with daily activities and medical care. In addition, some people report pain from the spasms. Spasms can usually be controlled with drugs. When that does not work, doctors sometimes kill the nerves leading directly to those muscles (below the injury at the spinal cord) either with direct injections or, in extreme cases, with surgery.

SSDI - Social Security Disability Income - Federal assistance for people with disabilities who have worked in the past and are now unable to work for a "substantial" salary. The amount of money available is supposed to help replace their previous salary and is based how much the person has contributed to Social Security in the past.

SSI - Supplemental Security Income - Federal assistance for people with disabilities who are in financial need and do not have much work experience. In contrast to SSDI, the amount of money a person gets from SSI depends more on their need, as determined by Social Security.

State VR Agency - the state agency in charge of providing rehabilitation, education, and vocational support to any persons with disabilities in the state. The goal, says the Rehab Act, is to maximize empowerment, independence, and productivity of persons with disabilities. See the Rehab Act's description. (Title I, sec 101, a, 1,A)

Stimulate - digital stimulation of the bowel is part of daily bowel management for persons with spinal cord injuries. Although the person can no longer control their bowels, the bowel reflex that lets us go to the bathroom still exists. The reflex can be triggered by a combination eating timed with certain drugs (see Suppository) and direct stimulation of the anus.

Stroke - Sudden disabling attack or loss of consciousness caused by the blocking of blood flow to the brain.

Subsidized Apartment - Many cities provide cheap housing for people with disabilities. Often a person's rent is set at one third of the person's income. To qualify, a person must earn no more than a set minimum income and have documentation of their disability.

Supplemental IWRP/IEP - A supplemental IWRP/IEP is used when the original IWRP/IEP needs to be changed or extended for some reason. Things like a new vocational goal, additional services needed by the client, or more time to meet goals will require a supplemental IWRP/IEP.

Supported Employment Services - A fully supported, minimum wage job for a person with a severe disability. The support usually involves a Job Coach, and may include any other equipment, modifications, or services the person needs. The job coach support is gradually reduced and, according to the Rehab Act, must be at 20% or less within 18 months. See the Rehab Act's definition (Sec. 7. 34).

Suppository - a way of delivering medicine to the body. Pill and liquid medicine taken by mouth will usually enter the body through the walls of the digestive system. Alternatively, medicine can be mixed into a soft, waxy material that melts at body temperature, and the capsule that results inserted into the anus. This delivers medicine to the lower part of the digestive system for absorption. For people with spinal cord injuries, this can deliver drugs to directly stimulate lower bowel reflexes.