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Terms listed alphabetically (click
on letters to navigate):
A B
C D E F
G H I J K L
M N O P
Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
Access Utilities:
Access utilities are software programs that modify various aspects of the
standard keyboard to simplify operation of the keyboard, replace the mouse,
substitute visual cues for sound signals, or add sound cues to keystroke.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Example: In the case of a young person with a mobility impairment an access
utility is important because it can alter the way keys on a keyboard respond
to touch. Say, for example, Jimmy, a young boy with muscular dystrophy has difficultly
pressing keys quickly and lingers a bit longer on each key than necessary or
inadvertently presses multiple keys on the way to the intended key. Altering
relay time on these keys can enable Jimmy to more effectively process information
via a keyboard. Many basic modifications can be made through software that already
exists on your computer. Altering font size, color contrast, and adding or modifying
audio alerts all can be done without purchasing additional software. “Sticky
keys” are another very useful modification that can be made through pre-existing
software. Sticky keys allow one to type a key at a time, sequentially, and experience
the same results as holding down multiple keys simultaneously. So instead of
holding down CTRL-ALT-DELETE, one can select each key, one at a time.
Access Utilities are also referred to as Access Technologies. You can learn
more about access utilities through FCTD’s partner, the Alliance for
Technology Access.
Photo courtesy of Freedom Scientific
Activities of Daily Living:
Various routine activities that are performed day to day, such as putting
on clothes, preparing meals, household chores, working at a job, going to
school, using transportation to get from one place to another, etc.
- Source: AT Network Resources Glossary
Photo courtesy of Bob Vila
Adaptive Technologies
Adaptive Technologies include customized systems that help individual students
move about, communicate in, and control their environments. They are designed
specifically for persons with disabilities; devices which would seldom be used
by non-disabled persons. Examples include augmentative communication devices,
powered wheel chairs and environmental control systems. These assistive technologies
are not used exclusively for education purposes, but are used in all of the
child's environments.
- Source: The Assistive Technology Training Online
Project
Aids for Daily Living:
Self-help aids for activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing,
toileting, and home maintenance.
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual 2003
Edition
Example: A wide range of devices fall under the phrase Aids for Daily Living
(ADLs). A low tech example would be a finger nail brush with two suction cups
attached to the bottom that could stick onto a flat surface in the bathroom.
Such an ADL would allow a child with limited mobility to clean her nails without
having to grip the brush. There are also “higher tech” ADLs. For
more information on these devices, see Environmental Control Units
(ECUs).
Photo courtesy of Grip Advantage
Photo courtesy of Dynamic Living
Photo courtesy of Washington Assistive Technology Alliance
Alternative Access/Input Device:
A tool that allows individuals to control their computers through means other
than a standard keyboard or pointing device. Examples include alternative keyboards,
electronic pointing device, sip-and-puff systems, wants and sticks, joysticks,
and trackballs.
- Source: Accessible Technology in Today's Business,
Microsoft, 2002
Example: A “modified mouse” such as a joystick or trackball can
make a world of difference to a child with limited mobility. Whereas using
an ordinary mouse would be difficult for someone like, Leo, a child with limited
refined motor skills, the design of a joystick would allow him to have more
full control of his web surfing experience.
Photo courtesy of Don Johnston
Alternative Keyboard:
Alternative keyboards may be different from standard keyboards in size, shape,
layout, or function. They offer individuals with special needs greater efficiency,
control, and comfort.
- Source: Just Your Type, PACER Simon Technology Center,
2002
Example: Alejandro is a child with cognitive disabilities. The traditional
QWERTY keyboard is confusing, so his mom replaces it with a keyboard that
lists letters A-Z in big, bold letters and doesn’t contain a lot of
“extra” keys. This makes focusing on spelling and typing words
a lot easier for him.
Courtesy of Big Keys
Ambulation Aids:
Devices that help people walk upright, including canes, crutches, and
walkers.
- Source: Directory of Funding Resources for
Assistive Technology, STAR Program
Americans with Disabilities Act:
The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (PL101-336) prohibits employers
from discriminating against people with disabilities and makes such discrimination
a civil rights violation. Providers of public services, schools, public building
and public transportation services also must provide accessibility to people
with disabilities.
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual 2003
Edition.
AND
A federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability
in (1) employment, (2) programs, services and activities of state and local
government agencies and (3) goods, services, facilities, advantages, privileges
and accommodation of places of public accommodation.
- Source: AT Network Resources Glossary
Architectural Adaptations
Architectural adaptations are structural fabrications or remodeling in the
home, worksite, or other area (including ramps, lifts, lighting, kitchen remodeling,
bathroom adaptations, etc.) that remove or reduce physical barriers for an individual
with a disability.
- Source: Iowa COMPASS (InfoTech)
Assistive Technology Service:
A service related to an assistive technology device that may include evaluating,
selecting, procuring, designing, fitting, customizing, applying, maintaining,
repairing, replacing, coordinating, and training of individual, family, and
others.
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual 2003
Edition
Assistive Technology Device:
Any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve functioning of individuals with disabilities.
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual 2003
Edition
Example: An AT device is almost everything set forth in this glossary! From
low tech - a pen or pencil grip, to high tech - a computer that responds to
touch and allows a child to communicate more effectively, all of these fall
within the realm of AT devices.
LOW TECH -->
Courtesy of TheraProducts
HIGH TECH -->
Courtesy of TASH, Inc.
Augmentative Communication System:
Any system that increases or improves communication of individuals with receptive
or expressive communication impairments. The system can include speech, gestures,
sign language, symbols, synthesized speech, dedicated communication devices,
microcomputers, and other communication systems.
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual
2003 Edition.
Auxiliary Aids and Services
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (see above),
a wide range of devices and services that may be used by an entity to ensure
that it communicates as effectively with people with disabilities as it does
with others. Auxiliary aids may include taped texts, interpreters or other
effective methods of making orally delivered materials available to students
with hearing impairments, readers in libraries for students with visual impairments,
classroom equipment adapted for use by students with manual impairments, and
other similar services and actions.
- Source: AT Network Resources Glossary and U.S. Department of Education
Braille:
A raised dot printed language that is used by persons with visual impairments.
Each raised dot configuration represents a letter or word combination.
Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual 2003
Edition.
Braille Embossers and Translators:
A Braille embosser transfers computer-generated text into embossed braille
output. Translation programs convert text scanned in or generated via standard
word processing programs into Braille that can be printed on the embosser.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
You can learn more about braille embossers and translators through FCTD’s
partner, the Alliance for Technology Access, @ http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atabook/s02/s02-05b.html
Photo of the Talking Tactile Atlas courtesy of Touch Graphics
Braille Display:
A braille display is a tactile device consisting of a row of special 'soft'
cells. A soft cell has 6 or 8 pins made of metal or nylon; pins are controlled
electronically to move up and down to display characters as they appear on the
display of the source system - usually a computer or braille note taker...They
can also be used for advanced math work and for computer coding. A number of
cells are placed next to each other to form a soft or refreshable braille line.
As the little pins of each cell pop up and down they form a line of braille
text that can be read by touch.
- Source: A-Z to Deafblindness
Photo courtesy of Deaf Blind -- A-Z to Deaf Blindness
Captioning:
A text transcript of the audio portion of multimedia products, such as video
and television, that is synchronized to the visual events taking place on screen.
- Source: PACER Simon Technology Center, 2003.
Example: For a child with a severe hearing impairment like Justine, captioning
of tv, video and multimedia makes an enormous difference in the quality of her
experience with a certain product. A CD-Rom that uses audio narration to tell
a story, if captioned, will allow Justine to engage with the material to the
same extent a child without a hearing impairment would.
Photo courtesy of Adaptive Technology for Information and Computing
at MIT
Digitized Speech:
Human speech that is recorded onto an integrated circuit chip and which has
the ability to be played back.
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual
2003 Edition.
Electronic Pointing Devices:
Electronic pointing devices allow the user to control the cursor on the screen
using ultrasound, an infrared beam, eye movements, nerve signals, or brains
waves. When used with an on-screen keyboard, electronic pointing devices also
allow the user to enter text or data.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access.
You can learn more about electronic pointing devices through FCTD’s
partner, the Alliance for Technology Access, @
Photo courtesy of Don Johnston
Environmental Control Unit (ECU):
A system that enables individuals to control various electronic devices in
their environment through a variety of alternative access methods, such as switch
or voice access. Target devices include lights, televisions, telephones, music
players, door openers, security systems, and kitchen appliances. Also referred
to as Electronic Aid to Daily Living (EADL).
- Source: Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual 2003
Edition.
Example: Electronic pointing devices might look a bit space age but the technology
is life changing for people with little or no mobility. Take the case of Vanya,
a teenager with a traumatic brain injury. Vanya’s ocular movement was
tracked and registered and she is now able to use a device that lets her interact
with her computer, and thereby control her environment, solely with eye movement.
Photo courtesy of EyeGaze
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Amendents of 1997):
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs.
The law requires that public schools develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each child. The specific special education and related services, including assistive technology, that are outlined in each IEP should reflect the individualized needs of the student.
IDEA also requires that particular procedures be followed in the development of the IEP. Each student's IEP must be developed by a team of knowledgeable persons and must be reviewed at least once a year. The team usually includes the child's teacher, the parents, the child, if appropriate, a school system representative who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of special education, and other individuals at the parents' or school's request.
If parents disagree with the proposed IEP, they can request a due process hearing and a review from the state educational agency if applicable in that state. They also can appeal the state agency's decision to state or federal court.
For more information about IDEA, you can visit the following website:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA/index.html
Individual Education Program (IEP):
A legal document developed by a team, the members of which include the student
and his/her parents, that contains the student's present levels of educational
performance, goals and objectives, special education and related services and
placement for each school year. Discussion of assistive technology as it pertains
to the student's ability to "receive a free and appropriate public education"
is an important component of the IEP.
- Source: AT Resources Glossary
Example: Grant is a four year old with a severe hearing impairment.
See also, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Amendents of
1997)
Additional Resources:
http://www.katsnet.org/fact4.html
Information Technology:
Information technology includes any product used to acquire, store, manipulate,
or transmit information, such as computers, multimedia, telecommunications,
copy machines, and the Internet.
- Source: PACER Simon Technology Center, 2003
Joysticks:
A joystick may be used as an alternate input device. Joysticks that can be
plugged into the computer's mouse port can control the cursor on the screen.
Other joysticks plug into game ports and depend on software that is designed
to accept joystick control.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access.
See also: Alternative Access/Input Device
Photo courtesy of Aroga
Keyboards Additions:
A variety of accessories have been designed to make keyboards more accessible.
Keyguards are hard plastic covers with holes for each key. Using
a keyguard, someone with an unsteady finger or with a pointing device can
avoid striking unwanted keys.
Moisture guards are thin sheets of plastic that protect keyboards
from spills and drooling.
Alternative labels add visual clarity or tactile information to
the keys.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Example: When John, a young man with muscular dystrophy, doesn’t use
the keyguard, he often clicks letters that he doesn’t want. The clearly
defined spaces between keys provided by the keyguards helps him more easily
select the keys he wants.
Photo courtesy of AbilityNet
Mobility and Transportation Aids
Products that help mobility impaired persons move within their environment
and give them independence in personal transportation. Includes standing/walking
aids, transfer aids, stair lifts, walkers, scooters, wheelchairs and three-wheeled
chairs, adapted bikes and Trikes, car seats/bed, stretchers, patient chairs,
ramps, recliners, strollers, travel chairs, wheelchair trays, driving controls,
seat belts, vehicle conversions, patient and wheelchair lifts, wheelchair loaders/carriers,
wheelchair restraint systems, etc.
-Source: RehabTool.org
Photo of all-terrain wheelchair courtesy of Infintec
Onscreen Keyboard:
On-screen keyboards are software images of a standard or modified keyboard
placed on the computer screen by software. The keys are selected by a mouse,
touch screen, trackball, joystick, switch, or electronic pointing device.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People
with Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Example: Brad, a young boy with limited mobility and severe verbal impairments
uses onscreen keyboards to communicate with those around him. Through accessing
these keyboards (both pre-formatted keyboards and those designed by his parents
to meet his specific needs) and selecting options on the screen he is able to
relay concepts, needs and thoughts more easily.
Courtesy of Zygo, USA
Optical Character Recognition and Scanners:
Optical character recognition (OCR) software works with a scanner to convert
images from a printed page into a standard computer file. A scanner is a device
that converts an image from a printed page to a computer file. With optical
character recognition software, the resulting computer file can be edited. Pictures
and photographs do not require OCR software to be manipulated.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Example: Pierre is a high school student who was diagnosed with Stargardt
disease (inherited juvenile macular degeneration) at age 10. He has been legally
blind since age 12. Much of his schoolwork is available electronically and he
uses his screen reader to scan the text. Often, however, documents are only
available in hard copy. These documents are scanned into his computer using
a basic scanner with OCR software. The “graphic” image from the
printed page then becomes electronic text.
Pointing and Typing Aids:
A pointing or typing aid is typically a wand or stick used to strike keys
on the keyboard. They are most commonly worn on the head, held in the mouth,
strapped to the chin, or held in the hand.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
For more information on Pointing and Typing Aids, please visit FCTD's partner,
the Alliance for Technology Access
Example: For Kwame, a young man with severe spinal cord injury and no mobility
from his head down, pointing and typing aids allows him to interface with his
computer. His aid, a small patch, worn on his forehead allows him to navigate
around his computer. When he moves his head this device substitutes as a mouse
and allows him to perform standard activities such as playing games or taking
tests and even more advanced activities like drawing.
Photo courtesy of Madentec
Prosthetic and Orthotics:
Replacement, substitution or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body
parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids. Includes splints, braces,
foot orthosis, helmets, restraints, supports, etc.
-Source: RehabTool.com
Screen Enlargement Programs:
Screen enlargement programs magnify a portion of the screen, increasing the
visibility for some users with limited vision. Most have variable magnification
levels. Some screen enlargement programs offer text-to-speech.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Screen Reader:
A screen reader is a software program that uses synthesized speech to "speak"
graphics and text out loud. This type of program is used by people with limited
vision or blindness.
- Source: PACER Simon Technology Center, 2003
Example: Teri has been blind from birth. A screen reader allows her to access
visual information on a computer screen. A piece of software installed in her
computer goes "behind the scenes" and reads to her the text that exists
behind, for example, the graphic webpages that sighted people read.
Seating and Positioning Aids:
Modifications to wheelchairs or other seating systems that provide greater
body stability, upright posture or reduction of pressure on the skin surface.
Equipment includes wheelchair cushions, trunk/head supports, modular seating,
and seating lifts.
-Source: RehabTool.org
Switches and Switch Software:
Switches offer ways to provide input to a computer when a more direct access
method, such as a standard keyboard or mouse, is not possible. Switches come
in various sizes, shapes, colors, methods of activation, and placement options.
An interface device and software are usually required to connect the switch
to the computer and interpret the operation of the switch.
Some software programs have been developed specifically for use with a switch
and can employ on-screen scanning. With on-screen scanning, the computer highlights
(either by sound, visual cue, or both) options available to a user about what
action he or she wants the computer to take. Using these specialized products,
when a visual or auditory prompt indicates a desired keyboard or mouse function,
the user activates the switch and the desired function occurs.
Other programs have built-in options to allow switch use. Many standard software
programs can be accessed through a switch with the use of additional software
and devices.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Photo courtesy of Academic Software, Inc.
Talking Word Processors:
Talking word processors (TWP) are writing software programs that provide
speech feedback as the student writes, echoing each letter as it is typed and
each word as the spacebar is pressed. Many of these inexpensive programs, typically
used to assist with writing, also incorporate powerful tools for reading. Students
with learning disabilities find that having written material read aloud assists
them to better edit, comprehend and organize. Once any file (story from a book,
assignment, article, typed information, etc.) is imported into a talking word
processor, the text can be read aloud to the student. These TWP programs offer
other adjustments such as enlarging the size of the text and changing the color
of the foreground, background and highlighting box to assist students in following
along as the text is read.
- Source: Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO)
Touch Screens:
A touch screen is a device placed on the computer monitor (or built into
it) that allows direct selection or activation of the computer by a touch of
the screen.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
TTD or TTY :
A Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY or TDD) is a device with a keyboard
that sends and receives typed messages over a telephone line.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Courtesy of Ameriphone
Universal Design:
Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable
by a wide range of people. Examples of universally designed environments include
buildings with ramps, curb cuts, and automatic doors.
- Source: PACER Simon Technology Center, 2003
Voice Recognition:
Different types of voice recognition systems (also called speech recognition)
are available. Voice recognition allows the user to speak to the computer instead
of using a keyboard or mouse to input data or control computer functions. Voice
recognition systems can be used to create text documents such as letters or
email, to browse the Internet, and to navigate among applications and menus
by voice.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Learn more about voice recognition at FCTD's partner, the Alliance for technology
Access
Web Accessibility
Universal accessibility to the Web means that all people, regardless of their
physical or developmental abilities or impairments, have access to Web-based
information and services. Making Web pages accessible is accomplished by designing
Web pages that allow the effective use of adaptive technologies to access their
content.
- Source: Web Accessibility Learning Modules
See also, Screen Reader
Word Prediction Programs:
Word prediction programs enable the user to select a desired word from an
on-screen list located in the prediction window. This list, generated by the
computer, predicts words from the first one or two letters typed by the user.
The word may then be selected from the list and inserted into the text by typing
a number, clicking the mouse, or scanning with a switch.
- Source: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities, Alliance for Technology Access
Learn more about word prediction at FCTD's partner, the Alliance for Technology
Access
Example: Word prediction programs speed up the time it takes, Johanna, a young
woman with quadriplegia, to communicate her needs to her personal assistant
(PA). Instead of typing out full words, a drop down list of common words beginning
with the initial letters entered appears and an entire word can be simply clicked
in lieu of typed out in full. Word prediction programs also help Chad, a 6th
grader with learning disabilities, in writing papers for school. Often he can
only recall parts of a word or can spell a word phonetically but can not correctly
spell the word. Word prediction programs allow him to type in a few letters
or type in a word's phonetic spelling and then present him with correctly spelled
alternatives.
Photo courtesy of NanoPac
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