Glossary

Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.

4 results found in Deaf studies.

Co-Cultural Theory (Co-Cultural Communication Theory)
A communication theory developed by Mark Orbe that examines how members of marginalized or underrepresented groups communicate within dominant societal structures. The theory identifies the Deaf commu…
Critical Period (Critical Period Hypothesis, Sensitive Period)
A developmental window during early childhood when the brain is especially receptive to acquiring language. If sufficient language input is not received during this period, language development may be…
Language Acquisition (Language Development, Language Learning)
The process by which humans develop the ability to perceive, produce, and use language to communicate. In deaf children, language acquisition presents unique challenges: 90% of deaf children are born …
Phonocentrism
The ideological privileging of spoken language as the default and superior mode of communication, with corresponding devaluation of signed, typed, symbolic, or augmentative forms. In accessibility, ph…