Glossary
Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.
32 results found in Physical Accessibility.
- Public Digital Terminal (PDT, Self-Service Terminal, Self-Service Kiosk)
- A publicly available interactive electronic device that provides services or information to users, such as ATMs, ticket vending machines, check-in kiosks, and information points. Public digital termin…
- Shared Mobility (Shared Transportation)
- Transportation services in which vehicles, rides, or trips are shared among multiple users, including ridesharing (Uber, Lyft), carsharing (Zipcar), bikesharing, scooter-sharing, microtransit, and — i…
- Sidewalk Accessibility (Pedestrian Accessibility, Walkway Accessibility)
- Sidewalk accessibility refers to the degree to which pedestrian pathways and related infrastructure — including sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals — can be safely and independen…
- Step-Free Access (Level Access, Barrier-Free Access)
- A route or entrance to a building, transport station, or public space that does not require the use of steps or stairs, enabling access for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, parents …
- Surface Level Change (Elevation Change, Grade Change)
- Any change in the height of the ground or floor surface, including stairs, curbs, ramps, steps, potholes, and raised thresholds. Surface level changes are a significant mobility challenge and safety h…
- Tactile Dome (Truncated Dome, Detectable Warning Surface)
- Small raised bumps arranged in a grid pattern on ground surfaces to provide a tactile warning of an upcoming hazard, such as a curb edge, train platform edge, or street crossing. Tactile domes are par…
- Tactile Modelling (Tactile Demonstration, Touch-Based Instruction)
- A teaching technique used in movement and dance education for blind and low-vision learners, where the student physically explores the teacher's body position by touch to understand the shape, form, a…
- Tactile Paving (Tactile Ground Surface Indicators, TGSI, Detectable Warning Surface, Truncated Domes)
- A system of textured ground surface indicators installed on footpaths, train platforms, and building floors to assist pedestrians who are blind or have low vision with navigation and hazard detection.…
- Transit Accessibility (Public Transit Accessibility, Transportation Accessibility)
- The degree to which public transportation systems — including rail, bus, and subway networks — can be used by people with disabilities and others with mobility needs. Transit accessibility encompasses…
- Urban Accessibility (City Accessibility, Built Environment Accessibility)
- The degree to which urban environments, including streets, buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems, can be navigated and used by people with disabilities. Urban accessibility encompasses …
- Wheelchair Seating (Wheelchair Positioning)
- The configuration and customization of a wheelchair's seating components to provide appropriate support, comfort, and functional positioning for the user. Proper wheelchair seating considers trunk sup…
- Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi (WAT, Wheelchair Taxi, Accessible Taxi)
- A taxi or on-demand vehicle fitted with a ramp or lift and interior tie-down points that allow a passenger to travel while seated in their wheelchair. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are a core component …