Glossary
Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.
899 results found in Assistive Technology.
- Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)
- A lower-limb orthosis that supports the ankle and foot, typically prescribed to control foot drop, improve toe clearance during swing, and stabilise the ankle during stance. AFOs come in solid, hinged…
- Annotation-based Transcoding (Annotation-driven Transcoding, External Annotation)
- Annotation-based transcoding is a web accessibility technique in which a third party (not the site owner) authors a separate metadata file — the 'annotation' — that describes how to restructure or re-…
- Anticipatory Grasp (Pregrasp Planning, Pre-grasp, Pre-shaping, Anticipatory Grasp Planning)
- Anticipatory grasp refers to the pre-shaping of the hand before contact with an object, based on expectations about the object's size, shape, and orientation. In sighted people this planning is driven…
- AppleVis
- A community-driven website and discussion forum dedicated to accessibility on Apple platforms (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS) for blind and low-vision users. It hosts app directories, podcasts, tu…
- Appropriation
- In HCI and accessibility research, the process by which users adapt, repurpose, or extend a technology beyond its designers' original intent to fit their own practices and contexts. Appropriation is o…
- Artificial Eye (Eye Model, Optical Eye Model)
- A physical device constructed from optical components to simulate the optical properties of a human eye. Typically consisting of a lens, adjustable aperture (simulating the iris), and an image sensor …
- Ask-Point (Help Request Point)
- Ask-point is a term introduced in disability-and-HCI research to name a discrete moment in daily life at which a person with a disability must request help from a caregiver, family member, or other pe…
- Assisted Living Technology (Assistive Living Technology, Ambient Assisted Living, AAL)
- Technology systems designed to help people with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related limitations live more independently in their homes or residential facilities. This includes smart home …
- Assisted Photography (Accessible Photography, Camera Aiming Assistance)
- Assisted photography refers to technologies and techniques that help people with visual impairments take photographs by providing non-visual feedback about camera aiming, composition, and image qualit…
- Assistive AI (AI for Accessibility, Accessible AI, Accessibility AI)
- Artificial intelligence systems designed specifically to support disabled people in performing tasks, accessing information, or navigating their environments. Examples include object recognition tools…
- Assistive Communication (Assisted Communication)
- Any method, device, or system used to supplement or replace natural speech and writing for people who have difficulty with spoken or written language. Assistive communication encompasses a broad range…
- Assistive Drone (Assistive UAV, Assistive Quadcopter)
- A small unmanned aerial vehicle configured to assist a person with a disability — most often a blind or low-vision user — with tasks such as locating objects, navigating unfamiliar environments, scann…
- Assistive Listening Device (ALD, Hearing Assistive Technology)
- Any device designed to improve audibility for a person with hearing loss, beyond or in addition to a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Common examples include personal amplifiers, FM and radio-frequenc…
- Assistive Suitcase (Robotic Suitcase, Smart Suitcase)
- A mobility aid in the form factor of a rolling travel suitcase that has been augmented with sensors, computing, and feedback mechanisms to help blind or low-vision travellers navigate public spaces. T…
- Assistive Technology (AT, Adaptive Technology)
- Any device, software, equipment, or system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Assistive technology spans a broad range from low-tec…
- Assistive Technology Abandonment (AT Abandonment, Technology Discontinuance)
- The phenomenon of users with disabilities ceasing to use an assistive technology device or system after initial adoption. Research identifies several predictors of abandonment, including failure to co…
- Assistive Technology Assessment (AT Assessment, Assistive Technology Evaluation, AT Evaluation)
- An assistive technology assessment is a systematic evaluation process to identify the most appropriate assistive technology solutions for an individual with a disability. The assessment typically cons…
- Assistive Technology Curriculum (AT Curriculum, Adaptive Technology Curriculum, Accessibility Curriculum)
- An assistive technology curriculum is a structured educational programme that teaches the principles, design, evaluation, and implementation of technology aids for people with disabilities. Such curri…
- Assistive Technology Delivery (AT Service Delivery, Assistive Technology Provision)
- The process of identifying, selecting, providing, and supporting assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Effective AT delivery involves assessing a person's needs and abilities, matchi…
- Assistive Technology Ecosystem (AT Ecosystem, AT Service Delivery Ecosystem)
- The complete network of interconnected elements required for assistive technology to be effectively provided, adopted, and sustained, including the technology itself, trained professionals, assessment…