Glossary
Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.
840 results found in assistive technology.
- Telescopic Magnifier (Bioptic Telescope, Telescopic Glasses)
- A small telescope mounted in or attached to eyeglasses that provides magnification for viewing distant or intermediate-distance objects. Telescopic magnifiers are used by people with low vision for ta…
- Tension-Informed Design (Designing with Tensions)
- A design framework that identifies and centres the tensions—competing demands, trade-offs, and misalignments—that arise when introducing new technology into established professional practices. Rather …
- Text Entry (Text Input, Text Generation)
- The process of entering text into a computer or communication device, encompassing the full range of input methods from standard keyboards to alternative approaches used in assistive technology such a…
- Text Simplification (Automatic Text Simplification, Content Simplification)
- The process of transforming complex written text into simpler, more understandable versions while preserving the essential meaning. Text simplification can be performed manually by content authors fol…
- Text Spotting (Scene Text Detection)
- A computer vision technique that detects and localizes text within images in real time, without actually performing OCR recognition. Text spotting algorithms identify where text appears in a camera fr…
- Text-Only Browser (Text Browser, Text-Based Browser)
- A web browser that renders pages as plain text without images, styling, or complex layouts, displaying only the textual content and link structure. Examples include WebbIE, Lynx, and Links. Text-only …
- Text-to-Speech (TTS, Speech Synthesis, Screen Reading)
- Technology that converts written text into spoken audio output, using either pre-recorded speech segments or synthesized voices. Text-to-speech is a foundational accessibility technology used by scree…
- Text-to-speech (TTS, Speech synthesis)
- Technology that converts written text into spoken audio output. Text-to-speech is the primary output method used by screen readers to convey digital content to blind and low-vision users. The quality …
- Therapeutic VR (VR Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy, VR-Based Intervention)
- The use of virtual reality technology for therapeutic purposes, including rehabilitation, mental health treatment, skills training, and cognitive development. Therapeutic VR leverages immersive enviro…
- Thermoform (Vacuum-Formed Plastic, Thermoform Duplicator)
- A method of producing tactile images and braille copies by heating a thin sheet of plastic and vacuum-forming it over a master copy (typically an embossed original) to create a durable raised-line rep…
- Thermoforming (Vacuum Forming, Thermoform)
- A manufacturing process used to create tactile graphics by heating a plastic sheet and pressing it over a mould to form a raised surface. In accessibility contexts, thermoforming is one of several met…
- Thermotactile Feedback (Thermal Feedback, Thermal Haptic Feedback, Thermotactile Display)
- Thermotactile feedback is a form of haptic communication that conveys information through controlled temperature changes on the skin, using heating or cooling elements such as Peltier thermoelectric m…
- Time Management
- The ability to plan and control how time is allocated to specific activities. In the context of accessibility and assistive technology, time management support helps individuals with cognitive impairm…
- Time-of-Flight Camera (TOF Camera, ToF Sensor, Depth Camera)
- A type of camera sensor that measures the distance to objects by calculating the time it takes for emitted light (typically infrared) to travel to a surface and reflect back. Time-of-Flight cameras pr…
- Tongue Display Unit (TDU, BrainPort, Tongue Electrotactile Display)
- A sensory substitution device that presents visual or spatial information through an array of electrodes placed on the tongue. The tongue is ideal for electrotactile stimulation because it has a very …
- Tool Substitution (Adaptive Tool Use, Alternative Tool Use)
- The practice of using a different tool than what is specified or expected to accomplish a task, common among people with disabilities who adapt their approaches based on available resources, physical …
- Total Communication
- An approach to communication that incorporates all available modes and channels—including speech, gesture, facial expression, drawing, writing, pointing, props, and physical aids—rather than relying o…
- Touchscreen Exploration (Touch Exploration, Direct Touch Exploration)
- An accessibility interaction mode where blind and low vision users explore digital content by moving their finger across a touchscreen, receiving audio or haptic feedback about elements beneath their …
- Trackball
- A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a stationary socket that the user rotates to move the on-screen cursor, with buttons nearby for clicking. Unlike a mouse, a trackball do…
- Trajectory Playback (Haptic Playback, Force-Guided Movement)
- A technique in haptic interfaces where a force-feedback device physically guides a user's hand through a predefined path or shape. The system applies forces to move the user along a trajectory, allowi…