Glossary

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

840 results found in assistive technology.

Web Speech API (Web Speech, SpeechSynthesis API)
A browser-native JavaScript API that provides speech recognition and speech synthesis capabilities directly within web applications. The Web Speech API enables developers to add text-to-speech and voi…
Web Transcoding (Content Transcoding, Web Page Transcoding)
The process of transforming or reformatting web page content to make it more accessible or usable in different contexts. Transcoding techniques include removing irrelevant elements, reordering content…
Webcam-Based Interaction (Camera-Based Interaction, Video-Based Input)
An interaction paradigm where users communicate with a computer system through a webcam or camera, using gestures, sign language, facial expressions, or body movements as input. In accessibility conte…
Wheelchair (Manual Wheelchair, Power Wheelchair, Wheeled Mobility Device)
A mobility assistive device consisting of a chair mounted on wheels, used by people who have difficulty walking or cannot walk due to illness, injury, or disability. Wheelchairs range from basic manua…
Wheelchair Assessment (Wheelchair Evaluation, Seating Assessment)
A structured clinical process conducted by trained rehabilitation professionals to determine the most appropriate wheelchair and seating system for an individual. The assessment typically involves mul…
Wheelchair Provision (Wheelchair Service Delivery, Wheelchair Service)
The comprehensive process of ensuring that individuals who need wheelchairs receive appropriate products along with the related services necessary for safe and effective use. As defined by the World H…
Wheelchair Service Provision (Wheelchair Service Delivery)
The systematic process of assessing, fitting, providing, and following up on wheelchair users to ensure they receive appropriate mobility devices matched to their individual needs, environment, and li…
Wheelchair Service Steps (Wheelchair Service Delivery Process)
The structured sequence of activities involved in providing appropriate wheelchair services to individuals with mobility impairments. These steps typically include assessment (evaluating the user's ph…
White Cane (Long Cane, Mobility Cane, Blind Cane)
A lightweight, typically white or white-with-red-tip cane used by blind and visually impaired individuals as a mobility aid for detecting obstacles, changes in terrain, and environmental features whil…
White Noise (Broadband Noise)
A sound signal containing equal intensity across all audible frequencies, perceived as a constant hissing or static sound. In accessibility applications, white noise is valued for its localization pro…
Widgit Symbols (Widgit Rebus, Widgit Literacy Symbols)
A commercial symbol set used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and literacy support, developed by Widgit Software in the UK. Widgit Symbols are designed with consistent schematic rep…
Wizard-of-Oz Prototype (WOz Prototype, WOz Method, Wizard of Oz Study)
A research and design method where a human operator secretly simulates the behaviour of an interactive system that has not yet been built, allowing participants to experience and evaluate the concept …
Word Board (Communication Board, Word Display)
A communication tool used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) consisting of words, common phrases, and sometimes alphabet letters arranged on a physical board or digital display. Users…
Workaround (Hack, Alternative Strategy)
A method or technique used to bypass or overcome a limitation, barrier, or deficiency in a system, particularly when the intended functionality is inaccessible or broken. In accessibility, workarounds…
Worker Assistance System (Digital Worker Assistance, Cognitive Assistance System)
Technology systems that support workers during the execution of work processes by providing interactive step-by-step instructions through text, images, videos, audio, and spatial hints. These systems …
Wrist Gesture (Wrist-Based Gesture, Hand Gesture Input)
A movement of the wrist or hand used as an input command for interacting with wearable devices, particularly smartwatches. Wrist gestures enable one-handed, eyes-free interaction by allowing users to …
YOLO (You Only Look Once)
YOLO (You Only Look Once) is a real-time object detection algorithm that identifies and locates objects within images or video frames in a single pass through a neural network. In accessibility applic…
Zero-Touch Interaction (Touchless Interaction, Hands-Free Interaction)
An interaction paradigm that allows users to control devices or systems without physically touching them, typically through voice commands, gestures detected by cameras or sensors, or ambient sensing.…
eMaking (Electronic Making, e-Making)
A form of making that focuses on electronic and digital fabrication tools and activities, including 3D printing, laser cutting, programming microcontrollers, robotics, and working with electronic comp…
forScore
A digital sheet music reading application for Apple devices that allows musicians to view, annotate, and organize music scores on tablets and phones. forScore includes features like pinch-to-zoom, con…