Appendix III: Definitions of Person Characteristics
APS February 2021
This appendix defines the Person Characteristics that are available in IMPACT.
Aged
A person age 65 years or older.
Alcohol Abuse
A pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment in functioning. One of the following must have been present within the past 12 months:
- Recurrent use resulting in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home.
- Recurrent use in situations that are physically hazardous (such as driving while intoxicated).
- Legal problems resulting from recurrent use.
- Continued use despite significant social or interpersonal problems caused by the alcohol use.
Autism
A brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before the person is 3 years old.
Cognitively Impaired
A person with a brain disorder whose thinking abilities are impaired. For example, someone who has a traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of dementia.
Developmental Disability – Diagnosed
A person diagnosed as having a condition that meets both of the following criteria:
- Began before the age of 18.
- May prevent physical or cognitive development.
Cerebral palsy is considered a developmental disability.
Drug Abuse
A pattern of drug use (other than alcohol use) leading to significant impairment in functioning. One of the following must have been present within the past 12 months:
- Recurrent use resulting in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home.
- Recurrent use in situations that are physically hazardous (such as driving under the influence).
- Legal problems resulting from recurrent use.
- Continued use despite significant social or interpersonal problems caused by the drug use.
Hearing Impaired
A person who has a condition that affects the how well the person can hear or the range of sounds he or she can hear.
HIV Positive/AIDS
A person who has tested positive for HIV antibodies or been diagnosed with AIDS.
Intellectual and Developmental Disability
A person who has an IQ of 70 or lower and also has deficits in adaptive behavior that began before the age of 18.
Limited English Proficiency
A person with limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. This characteristic is often abbreviated as LEP.
Medicaid Waiver: Receiving HCS Services
A person who is receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Medicaid Waiver: Receiving MDCP/CLASS
A person who is receiving Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) services or Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) from HHSC.
Medicaid Waiver: Waiting List
A person who is on an interest list (waiting for services) for any of the HHSC waiver programs. Examples of these programs are:
- Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP).
- Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS).
- Deaf Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD).
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCS).
Mentally Ill
A person diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder. Common examples are:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depression
- Anxiety disorders
Military Dependent
A person who is a spouse or a child of a person in the military.
Mobility Impaired
A person who has a condition that requires adaptive equipment or assistance with mobility. Examples include a person who uses a wheelchair or demonstrates an unsteady gait or difficulty walking.
Permanent Resident
A person who is not a citizen of the United States but who lives in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant. Also known as the following:
- Permanent resident alien.
- Resident alien permit holder.
- Green card holder.
Physically Disabled
A person who has a condition that substantially impairs one or more basic physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying.
Speech Disabled
A person who has a communication disorder, is unable to speak, or uses a device to speak.
Undetermined Immigration Status
A person whose immigration status is unknown to APS.
Unqualified Immigrant
An immigrant with an immigration status that bars him or her from most federal, state, and local government benefits.
U.S. Citizen
A person who has United States citizenship by birth or naturalization.
Visually Impaired
A person who is blind or has impaired vision.