Assistive and Adaptive Technology: A Glossary of Terms
Assistive and adaptive technologies include a wide range of tools, devices, and software designed to help individuals with disabilities perform daily tasks, communicate effectively, and enhance their overall quality of life. These technologies range from simple solutions like magnifiers and braille labels to advanced electronic systems such as speech-to-text software and powered wheelchairs. Understanding the terminology surrounding these technologies can help you to better understand what’s out there to help people live more independent lives.
Access: The ability of a person or group to use a product, device, or service
Accessible Design: The intentional design of products, devices, tools, spaces, or services to be accessible to individuals with disabilities
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM): Educational resources designed or adapted to be usable by those with disabilities, such as textbooks in braille, large print, or digital formats
Accessibility Features: Options within technology tools that allow users to adjust settings to meet their individual needs
Accommodations: Changes made to environments or materials that improve accessibility. For example, a student with dyslexia may receive extra time on tests or use text-to-speech software.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL): Daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, or mobility that assistive technology devices can assist with, such as grab bars in bathrooms
Adaptive Gaming Equipment: Specially designed controllers, switches, or software to allow individuals with disabilities to play video games more easily
Adaptive Keyboard: A specially designed keyboard for users with physical disabilities, with features such as larger keys, customizable layouts, or alternative input methods
Adaptive Technologies: Assistive technologies specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, such as powered wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices
Adult Services: Support services provided to individuals with disabilities once they reach adulthood, including vocational and independent living support
Age of Majority: The legal age at which an individual is considered an adult
Alternative Access/Input Devices: Devices that allow individuals to control their computers using methods other than a standard keyboard or mouse. Examples include eye-tracking systems and sip-and-puff controllers.
Ambulation Aids: Devices that help individuals walk, including canes, crutches, and walkers
Architectural Adaptations: Physical changes made to environments to improve accessibility, such as ramps and widened doorways
Assistive Listening Device (ALD): A device that enhances sound clarity for individuals with hearing impairments, such as FM systems and hearing loops
Assistive Technology (AT) Assessment: A functional evaluation to determine an individual’s need for assistive technology
Assistive Technology (AT) Device: Any tool or device that enhances a person’s ability to perform daily tasks
Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation: An analysis to determine how effective an assistive technology device is at meeting an individual’s needs
Assistive Technology (AT) Implementation: The process of integrating assistive technology into daily use for individuals with disabilities
Assistive Technology (AT) Service: Services that assist with the selection, acquisition, and use of assistive technology devices
Audio-Assisted Reading (AAR): A reading support method that pairs printed text with prerecorded speech
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): A range of tools and strategies used to help individuals with speech or language difficulties, including picture boards, speech-generating devices, and text-to-speech applications
Battery Interrupter: A device that modifies battery-operated electronics to allow switch access for individuals with mobility impairments
Braille: A system of raised dots arranged in patterns that correspond to letters, numbers, and symbols, enabling people with visual impairments to read using their fingertips
Braille Display: A device that converts digital text into braille characters
Braille Embosser: A printer-like device that produces braille text on paper for individuals with visual impairments
Braille Notetaker: A portable device with a refreshable braille display that allows users to read, write, and manage digital files
Closed Captioning: Text displayed on a screen that provides a transcription of spoken dialogue and sounds for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
Cognitive Assistive Technology: Tools and applications designed to support individuals with cognitive impairments, such as memory aids, task management software, and reminder systems
Communication Board: A board with pictures, symbols, or words that helps nonverbal individuals communicate
Daily Living Aids (DLA): Assistive tools that help individuals perform everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, and cooking
Descriptive Videos: Videos with added narration describing visual elements for individuals with visual impairments
Digital Accessibility: The practice of designing digital content and platforms to be accessible to people with disabilities
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Medical devices that provide therapeutic benefits to individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds
Eye-Gaze Tracking System: A device that enables individuals with limited mobility to control a computer or communication device using eye movements
Fidgets: Small tactile objects used to help individuals focus, manage stress, or self-regulate sensory input
Hearing Loop System: A system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants via electromagnetic fields
Inclusion: A practice that ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in educational, work, and community settings
Magnification Software: Software that enlarges text and images on a computer screen to assist users with low vision
On-Screen Keyboard: A digital keyboard displayed on a screen, which can be operated using a mouse, touchscreen, or alternative input device
Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Technology that converts printed or handwritten text into digital text
Personal Amplification System: A device used to amplify sound for individuals with hearing impairments
Personal Assistance Services (PAS): Support services that help individuals with disabilities complete essential daily tasks
Promotion of Independence: Encouraging individuals with disabilities to perform tasks autonomously through assistive technology and skill development
Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices: Artificial limbs, braces, or supports designed to enhance mobility and function
Scan and Read Program: Software that converts scanned documents into readable text, often featuring optical character recognition (OCR) and text-to-speech functionality
Screen Magnifier: A device or piece of software that enlarges on-screen text and images for individuals with low vision
Screen Reader: Software that reads text displayed on a screen aloud
Smart Home Assistive Technology: Devices that enable individuals with disabilities to control their home environment using voice commands
Speech Generating Device (SGD): A device that produces speech output for individuals who are unable to speak
Stylus: A pen-shaped tool used to interact with touchscreens, providing greater precision for individuals who have difficulty using their fingers
Switch-Access Technology: Devices that allow users with limited mobility to control computers, communication devices, or environmental controls
Text Expansion: A feature that expands abbreviations into full words or phrases to reduce typing effort and improve efficiency for individuals with disabilities
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Technology: Software that converts written text into spoken words
Trackball Mouse: An alternative mouse with a ball that users rotate to move the cursor, beneficial for those with limited hand mobility
Trackpad: A touch-sensitive surface used as an alternative to a traditional mouse, enabling users to control the cursor with finger movements
TTY (TeleTYpe)/TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf): A communication device that enables individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to send and receive typed messages over the phone
Universal Design (UD): A design approach that aims to make all products and environments usable by all individuals, regardless of ability
Voice Banking: A process in which individuals record their voice to create a personalized synthetic voice for future use in speech-generating devices
Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV): A vehicle modified to accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs
Wheelchair Lift:
A type of elevator made to move a wheelchair and its user from one floor to another within a home, school, or commercial building
Word Prediction: Software that suggests words based on initial keystrokes to assist individuals with typing difficulties, improving speed and accuracy
X-10: A communication protocol that allows compatible electronic devices to transmit or receive signals over existing electrical wiring, commonly used for home automation and assistive technology
Additional Resources
- Assistive Products and Technology to Facilitate Activities and Participation for Children and Youth with Disabilities
- Assistive Technology for Kids With Learning Disabilities: An Overview
- Nine Examples of Assistive Technology and Adaptive Tools in School
- What Are Adaptive Technologies?
- Assistive and Adaptive Technologies
- Types of Assistive Technology
- What Is Assistive Technology?
- The Impact of Assistive Living Technology on Perceived Independence
- Assistive Technology Act
- What Is AT?
- Assistive Technology
- Assistive Technology for Special Education Students
- The Importance of Assistive Technology
- Overview of Assistive Technology