Glossary

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

101 results found in conditions.

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
A group of inherited genetic conditions that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles, the muscles that control movement. There are many types of muscular dystrophy varying in s…
Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
A group of inherited genetic conditions that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, affecting mobility, upper limb function, and in some forms, respiratory and cardiac function. People wi…
Neurodiversity (Neurological diversity)
A concept that regards differences in brain function and behavioural traits — including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and intellectual disability — as natural variation within the human populatio…
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD, Nonverbal Learning Disability, NLD)
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with visual-spatial processing, motor coordination, and social skills, while verbal abilities are typically a relative strength. People wit…
Nystagmus (Involuntary eye movement, Dancing eyes)
A condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive, rhythmic movements of the eyes, which may move side to side (horizontal), up and down (vertical), or in a circular pattern (rotary). Nystagmus can…
Nystagmus (Involuntary Eye Movement, Dancing Eyes)
A condition involving involuntary, repetitive, and rhythmic movements of the eyes, which can be horizontal, vertical, or rotary. Nystagmus can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired later in l…
Oligodactyly
A congenital condition in which a person is born with fewer than the typical number of fingers or toes. The condition varies widely in presentation — some individuals may have fewer digits on one hand…
PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder, Post-traumatic stress)
A psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to traumatic events, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heigh…
Peripheral Neuropathy (Neuropathy)
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Symptoms typically include numbness, …
Phonophobia (Sound Phobia, Ligyrophobia)
Phonophobia is an intense fear or aversion to specific sounds or loud noises that goes beyond simple discomfort, often leading to avoidance behaviors such as fleeing from environments where triggering…
Photosensitive epilepsy (PSE, Photosensitivity, Visually-provoked epilepsy)
A form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli such as flashing lights, strobing effects, rapid colour transitions, or high-contrast repeating patterns. It affects approximately …
Photosensitivity (Light Sensitivity, Photophobia)
An abnormal sensitivity to light that can cause discomfort, pain, or visual disturbance. Photosensitivity affects many people with visual impairments and certain neurological conditions including migr…
Post-Exertion Malaise (PEM, Post-Exertional Malaise, Crash)
A disproportionate worsening of symptoms following physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion that would not cause comparable effects in a healthy person. Post-exertion malaise is a hallmark symptom o…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, natural disaster, serious accident, or combat. Symptoms include intrusive memories or fl…
Post-lingual Deafness (Post-linguistic Deafness, Acquired Deafness, Late-Onset Deafness)
Deafness that occurs after a person has acquired spoken language, meaning they have existing literacy in written and spoken language. Post-lingual deaf users can typically read and write fluently, mak…
Pre-lingual Deafness (Pre-linguistic Deafness, Congenital Deafness)
Deafness that occurs before a person acquires spoken language, either present from birth or developing in early childhood. People with pre-lingual deafness typically use sign language as their primary…
Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD, Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities, PIMD)
Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) refers to a combination of profound intellectual disability with additional physical, sensory, or health impairments that together create extremely c…
Progressive Disability (Degenerative Condition, Progressive Condition)
A disability or condition that worsens over time, requiring adaptive strategies and technologies that can evolve with changing abilities. Progressive disabilities such as dementia, multiple sclerosis,…
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA, Emotional Incontinence, Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder)
A neurological condition characterized by episodes of involuntary, exaggerated, or inappropriate emotional expression — such as uncontrollable laughing or crying — that may not match the person's actu…
Reminiscence therapy (Reminiscence, Life review therapy, Memory sharing)
A therapeutic intervention widely used with older adults and people with dementia that involves the structured recall and sharing of personal memories and life experiences, often supported by prompts …