Glossary

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

6660 terms — page 28 of 333

Assistive Technology (AT)
Any item, piece of equipment, software, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Assistive technology ranges from low-tech solu…
Assistive Technology (AT, Adaptive Technology)
Any device, software, equipment, or system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Assistive technology spans a broad range from low-tec…
Assistive Technology Abandonment (AT Abandonment, AT Non-Use, Device Abandonment)
The phenomenon where people with disabilities stop using or choose not to use assistive technology devices that have been provided to them. Abandonment can result from multiple factors including poor …
Assistive Technology Abandonment (AT Abandonment, Technology Discontinuance)
The phenomenon of users with disabilities ceasing to use an assistive technology device or system after initial adoption. Research identifies several predictors of abandonment, including failure to co…
Assistive Technology Act (AT Act, Tech Act)
United States federal legislation that provides funding to states for assistive technology programs, including device demonstrations, lending libraries, and reutilization services. First enacted in 19…
Assistive Technology Assessment (AT Assessment, Assistive Technology Evaluation, AT Evaluation)
An assistive technology assessment is a systematic evaluation process to identify the most appropriate assistive technology solutions for an individual with a disability. The assessment typically cons…
Assistive Technology Curriculum (AT Curriculum, Adaptive Technology Curriculum, Accessibility Curriculum)
An assistive technology curriculum is a structured educational programme that teaches the principles, design, evaluation, and implementation of technology aids for people with disabilities. Such curri…
Assistive Technology Delivery (AT Service Delivery, Assistive Technology Provision)
The process of identifying, selecting, providing, and supporting assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Effective AT delivery involves assessing a person's needs and abilities, matchi…
Assistive Technology Ecosystem (AT Ecosystem, AT Service Delivery Ecosystem)
The complete network of interconnected elements required for assistive technology to be effectively provided, adopted, and sustained, including the technology itself, trained professionals, assessment…
Assistive Technology Information Gap (AT Information Gap)
The significant disparity in access to accurate, comprehensive, and contextually relevant information about assistive technology products, services, and best practices, particularly affecting people w…
Assistive Technology Lending Library (AT Lending Library, AT Library)
A service, often operated by state agencies or nonprofits, that allows individuals with disabilities to borrow assistive technology devices for trial periods before purchasing them or as a long-term r…
Assistive Technology Mainstreaming (Mainstreaming, AT Mainstreaming)
A design philosophy and practice where assistive technology features are integrated into mainstream consumer products rather than developed as separate, specialized devices. Examples include smartphon…
Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC, Cognitive Assistive Technology, Cognitive Prosthetics)
Technology designed to support cognitive functions such as memory, attention, planning, and problem-solving for people with cognitive impairments. This includes reminder apps, task prompting systems, …
Assistive device customization (AT personalization, Custom assistive technology)
The process of tailoring assistive technology devices to match an individual's specific physical dimensions, functional abilities, preferences, and activity requirements. Traditional AT customization …
Assistive technology (AT)
Any device, software, or equipment that helps people with disabilities perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. In digital accessibility, this includes screen readers, screen mag…
Assistive use exception (Assistive use legal exception, Assistive purpose exception)
A proposed legal framework that would permit the use of always-on sensing technologies (such as wearable cameras or microphones) for assistive purposes in contexts where recording is otherwise prohibi…
AssistiveTouch
An iOS accessibility feature that provides an on-screen menu of customizable touch-based shortcuts, allowing users to perform gestures and actions that might otherwise require physical buttons or comp…
Astigmatism
A common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. The cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball than a sphere, causing …
Asymmetric Gameplay (Asymmetric Game Design, Asymmetric Multiplayer)
A game design approach where different players have different roles, abilities, information, or challenges within the same game. In the context of accessibility, asymmetric gameplay is a promising str…
Asynchronous Communication (Async Communication)
Communication that does not occur in real time, allowing participants to send and receive messages at different times. In educational and workplace contexts, examples include email, discussion forums,…