A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Abbreviation Expansion Software is software that automatically "expands" a word, or phrase, that the user has pre-stored under an abbreviated form. (For example, the software could be programmed to expand a typed first and last initial into a complete name. Abbreviation expansion software is designed to reduce the number of keystrokes.

Access means the strategy, method, and site of contact between the person and the technology.

Access Method is the action by which the person operates the assistive technology.

Adapted Driving AT are devices, modifications or adaptations that allow an individual with a disability to operate a motor vehicle with increased independence and/or safety, such as steering wheel knobs, and controls, and wide angle mirrors.

Adapted Sports Equipment is sports equipment that is modified or adapted to allow people with disabilities to engage in sports on a recreational or competitive level. Examples include beep balls for visually impaired students t-ball type stands for ball sports, wheelchair paths between bases on a baseball diamond, ball ramps and bumpers for bowling lanes, and racing wheelchairs.

Adaptive Toys/Games are commercial toys and games that are modified or adapted so that barriers to play are reduced or eliminated. Examples include modifying battery operated toys for single switch operation, tethering toys to a play mat so toys can't "get away" from a child whose mobility is restricted, adding Braille or tactile cues to buttons on electronic toys, adding or enlarging knobs to dolls and toys to make them easier to grasp.

Advocacy Services are services provided to assist individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives in accessing assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.

Alternative Access Techniques are any special methods of controlling a device that allows it to be used by individuals with disabilities.

Alternative Keyboards (Keyboard Emulators) are hardware that replaces or works in addition to the standard keyboards. They may be larger than standard keyboards, may have the keys configured differently, may be set-up for one-handed typing, or may be onscreen. Alternative keyboards must be positioned to meet the specific needs of the user.

Alternative Pointer Devices Commercially available mice offer a great range of styles, feels, and ergonomic structures. They can be wireless and many are programmable to customize their speed and functions. They may be dots that function as mice and can be mounted on a body part.

Assistive Technology includes both Assistive Technology Devices and Assistive Technology Services as defined below.

Assistive Technology Device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities or individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Service means a service related to an assistive technology device that may include evaluating, selecting, procuring, designing, fitting, customizing, applying, maintaining, repairing, replacing, coordinating, and training of individual, family, and others. The term 'assistive technology service' means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication System is any device or system (electronic or non-electronic) used to enhance communication for persons who are nonverbal or who have limited functional speech. Such a system can include speech, gestures, sign language, symbols, synthesized speech, dedicated communication aids or microphones. The purpose of AAC is to increase the individual's ability to communicate, control the environment, maintain social interactions, and receive and convey information. There are no prerequisites to be met before introducing an AAC system.

Augmentative Communication Systems Computer-Based are programs that can be used on desktop or laptop computers to assist with both augmented and written communication.

Automatic Scanning - (see under Scanning).

Battery Interrupter is a battery interface control designed to create switch compatibility for non-adapted toys or battery-operated devices for individuals with physical disabilities. It consists of a cable with a two layer copper plate at one end and a jack at the other. The copper plate fits in the battery compartment at either end of the battery and "interrupts" the flow of electricity. When a switch is plugged into the jack, operation of the switch will allow the electric current to flow like it normally would in the toy or device. Typically available for battery sizes "AA", "C" or "D", with a 1/8-inch mono phone jack.

Braille is the most widely used tactile substitution device for persons with visual impairments. Each Braille character consists of a cell of either six or eight dots. The seventh and eighth cells are used for tabulation, underlining, and other special functions associated with computer displays and text editing.

Braille Embosser is a printer for producing Braille output either manually or by computer. Braille translation software is required for computer.

Braille Note Takers is hardware that allows input via a Braille-style keyboard.

Braille Printer is hardware that prints documents in Braille on embossed paper through a Braille translation program.

Captioning is a text transcript of the audio portion of multimedia products, such as video and television that is synchronized to the visual events taking place on screen.

Coding System is a process or system of assigning codes, abbreviations or labels to represent a letter, item or message. The system can be arbitrarily or systematically applied. For example, the code 654 may mean, "I want a drink of water". Commonly used coding systems include Morse code and abbreviation/expansion.

Conference Microphone holds an FM (frequency modulation) transmitter that enables the person with a hearing impairment to participate in a group discussion.

Dial Scan is a device that looks like a clock face without numbers and has only one hand or dial. It is usually battery operated and switch controlled. Pictures or miniature objects are placed around the perimeter of the fact. Selection is made when the dial points to the desired object and the switch is pressed or released.

Digitized Speech is human speech that is recorded onto an integrated circuit chip and which has the ability to be played back.

Direct Selection is a method of access that enables the person to use a body part or an extension of the body to directly identify a selection on a device in order to control or operate the device.

Driving Controls are hand controls used by people with limited use of their lower extremities to accelerate, brake, and shift gears while driving.

Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADLs) are any type of device used to control the environment (lights, appliances, TV, telephone, etc). EADLs include a range of systems from simple reachers or sticks to computers and voice-activated electronic systems. Formerly called environmental control units or ECU's.

Electronic Pointing Devices allow the user to control the cursor on the screen using ultrasound, an infrared beam, eye movements, nerve signals, or brains waves. When used with an on-screen keyboard, electronic pointing devices also allow the user to enter text or data.

Environmental Control Unit is a system that enables individuals to control various electronic devices in their environment through a variety of alternative access methods, such as switch or voice access. Target devices include lights, televisions, telephones, music players, door openers, security systems, and kitchen appliances. Also referred to as Electronic Aid to Daily Living (EADL).

Eye Controlled Pointer Device is a device to control a computer that tracks or follows the user's eye movements and produces corresponding cursor movements on the computer screen.

FM (frequency modulation) Systems are amplification devices that provide direct audio transmission from a microphone worn by the speaker to the listener's receiver/headset via a radio signal. May be used with headphones or hearing aids. May also be used in classrooms for students with normal hearing who have Attention Deficit Disorder.

Headpointers, Mouthsticks, & Handsticks are alternative input devices such as headpointers (typically attached to the forehead with a band or hat), mouthsticks (held in the mouth) and handsticks (held in a gross grasp or attached to the hand with a splint) that are used to depress keys, switches, computer access devices communication devices and environmental control units.

High tech is the use of electronics or computers as a solution (see "Light Tech")

Indirect Selection is a control or choice-making method that uses intermediary steps in making a selection.

Infrared System is an amplification device, as FM System above, but transmission is via an infrared signal rather than by a FM signal.

Inverse Scanning (see under "Scanning").

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a US law that authorizes special education and related services including assistive technology.

Individual Education Program is a legal document developed by a team containing a special education student's present levels of educational performance, goals and objectives, special education and related services and placement for each school year, including assistive technology.

Information Technology includes any product used to acquire, store, manipulate, or transmit information, such as computers, multimedia, telecommunications, copy machines, and the Internet.

Input Device Alternative is a tool that allows individuals to control their computers through means other than a standard keyboard or pointing device. Examples include alternative keyboards, electronic pointing device, sip-and-puff systems, sticks, joysticks, and trackballs.

Joysticks are alternative input devices for use with wheelchairs, computers, communication devices, toys, games and other devices. They may have four or five directional controls, and can be proportional or continuous use. Joysticks can be positioned for use with the hand, chin, foot, or head.

Joystick Mouse combines features of joystick with features of a mouse. Often used to play videogames, as the operator can use the joystick to move characters, and use the switch portion to "click."

Keyboard Access Software are programs that modify the keyboard in a variety of ways (e.g. enables Sticky keys to eliminate the need to press a key and shift at the same time, modifies keyboard response rate, activates mouse keys, etc.)

Keyguards are plastic grids that are placed on top of keyboards, alternative keyboards, and communication device touch screens and overlays. They are used to prevent accidental keystrokes or activation by stabilizing hand movement and preventing "drag" across dynamic screens.

Key Latches are used for computer access by consumers who use one hand or a head/mouth/hand stick; these levers can be attached to the keyboards to keep selected keys down until released.

Keypad Mouse uses keyboard strokes to perform the mouse function. It allows the keyboard number pad to act like a mouse. Keyboard mice are included with all standard keyboards.

Key Pad adaptations are bumps, highlights, or stickers that can be affixed to moisture guards or directly to the keypads to offer a visual or tactile cue to the user.

Keyboard Alternatives are keyboards that may be different from standard keyboards in size, shape, layout, or function. They offer individuals with special needs greater efficiency, control, and comfort.

Latching Switch (see under "Switch").

Light Tech is the use of low cost, non-electronic solutions (see "High Tech"). Also referred to as "Low Tech."

Macros are programs that allow the user to use a single input to activate a series of tasks that the computer or communication device then performs automatically.

Momentary Switch (see under "Switch").

Memory is the ability to store or encode new information for later retrieval.

Morse Code is the same Morse code once used for telegraphs that is now used as a method of keyboard input. Individuals use switches to spell in conjunction with software that translates the Morse Code into standard keyboard input (letters). Morse Code can also be used to access environmental controls, communication devices and mobility aids such as power wheelchairs.

Mouse Emulator is a device that imitates and takes the place of a computer mouse.

Mouse Emulator Head Mounted Pointing System is a direct selection method that tracks or follows the user's head movements and produces a corresponding cursor movement on the screen.

Onscreen Keyboards are software images of a standard or modified keyboard placed on the computer screen by software. The keys are selected by a mouse, touch screen, trackball, joystick, switch, or electronic pointing device.

Optical Scanner translates a paper document into a computer image display on the monitor.

Overlay is a plastic or paper sheet printed with letters, words or symbols that is placed on a levels-based Augmentative Communication or computer access device.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Scanners (OCR) software works with a scanner to convert images from a printed page into a standard computer file. A scanner is a device that converts an image from a printed page to a computer file. With optical character recognition software, the resulting computer file can be edited. Pictures and photographs do not require OCR software to be manipulated.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) PECS is a structured system for training individuals with autism or other severe disabilities to initiate communication by exchanging symbols for objects or activities.

Pointing and Typing Aids are typically wands or sticks used to strike keys on the keyboard. They are most commonly worn on the head, held in the mouth, strapped to the chin, or held in the hand.

Proportional "Switch" - (See under "Switches").

Refreshable Braille Display is an electro-mechanical display system that allows temporarily use of Braille. A single line of Braille is displayed long enough to be read, then is replaced by the next line of text.

Scanning is an indirect access method that requires the user to wait while the device steps through the various choices that are displayed in a matrix of sections. The user then activates a switch to indicate a choice is being made. Auditory scanning requires the user to listen to auditory cues in order to follow the scanning pattern; visual scanning requires the operator to follow visual cues such as lights. . A single switch or button can be accessed by a head, foot, knee, eye gaze, or facial movement. The switch is connected to a computer-based device that assists with providing a selected mode of output (e.g., movement of some peripheral device, augmented communication).

Automatic Scanning is a method for switch activation that starts the sequence, and then proceeds automatically. When the desired selection is highlighted a second switch activation selects that choice.

Inverse Scanning is a method of indirect selection in which the user must activate a switch to maintain movement of the scanner rather than the scanner moving automatically through the choices.

Row-Column Scanning is a method of direct selection in which the scanner moves vertically down the rows until a switch is activated to direct the scanning to change direction and move horizontally across the columns.

Step Scanning is a method of indirect selection in which the user activates a switch each time he wants the scanner to move to the next selection. Often a separate switch is used to make a selection.

Scanning assistive technology for drivers are used to increase the visual field of a driver. Mirrors are strategically placed to allow the operator visual access to blind spots to the front, rear, and sides of a vehicle.

Screen Enlargement Programs magnify a portion of the screen, increasing the visibility for some users with limited vision. Most have variable magnification levels. Some screen enlargement programs offer text-to-speech.

Screen Readers are software that supports the generation of speech to enable a visually impaired user to navigate the computer screen by having the text and graphics spoken out loud.

Seating and Positioning Aids include modifications to wheelchairs or other seating systems that provide greater body stability, upright posture or reduction of pressure on the skin surface. Equipment includes wheelchair cushions, trunk/head supports, modular seating, and seating lifts.

Sip'n'Puff (See under "Switches").

Speech Recognition/Voice Recognition is software and hardware (microphone) that allows the user to control the computer through spoken commands, rather than by use of the keyboard/mouse.

Speech Synthesizer is a device that presents artificial voices that either use digitally stored vocabulary recorded by humans, or text-to-speech rules that convert spelled text into spoken words.

Standard Keyboards are the type of keyboards typically used with standard computers. Each key on a keyboard is a tiny single switch, which when pressed sends a signal to an encoder that tells the computer which key to display on the monitor.

Steering Assistive Devices are devices that assist with adequate steering function for individuals with upper extremity impairment. These devices allow the unaffected limb to steer.

Switch is a commercial or homemade device that connects or disconnects an electrical circuit from a power source (such as a battery) to the target device (such as a light). A wide variety of switches are available and may be activated by touch, pressure, breath, Infrared light, sound, ultrasound, static electricity, heat, shadow, and moisture.

Latch Switch is a type of switch mechanism that remains on or off until it is activated again, i.e.: light switch.

Momentary Switch activates a device only as long as it is pressed and the circuit is connected; when the switch is released the device de-activates.

Proportional "Switch" Although commonly referred to as a "switch," it is more accurately an electronic controller, not a true switch. It operates like a gas or brake pedal with graded responses proportional to the amount of movement or pressure. Proportional switches are often used on wheelchairs as their responsiveness can be adjusted to fit individual motor patterns.

Sip'n'Puff is a type of switch that allows input of data by sipping and puffing on a tube with the mouth (often used to encode Morse code and to control power wheelchairs.

Switch Array is a collection of single switches that allows the operator to select from several functions, such as "Read", "Play", and "Eat". The number of choices depends on the number of switches.

Talking Calculators give audio feedback.

Talking Signs ™ is a transmitter that emits digital recordings announcing the identification of specific locations such as street names, and address. They are infrared signals that are demodulated and spoken by special handheld receivers.

Talking Word Processors are software programs that use synthesized speech to provide auditory feedback of what has been typed.

Target Device is the product being operated, such as a wheelchair, computer, or communication device.

Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR Program) - is a software program that continues to operate in the background while other application software is being used.

Text to Speech Software is software that "reads" text on the computer screen out loud using synthesized speech.

Touch Sticks are sticks that allow the user to directly access a keyboard or switch.

Touch Pad Keyboard is a pressure sensitive membrane that responds to touch. It can be fitted with various overlays that can be customized with letters, words, or pictures.

Touch Screens/Windows are devices placed on the communication device or computer monitor (or built into it) that allows direct selection or activation of the computer by a touch of the screen.

Trackball/Rollerball is an upside down Mouse that can be operated with the hand, chin, or foot.

TTY/TTD is a device that enables hearing- or speech-impaired users to transmit and receive typed-in exchanges over phone lines.

Universal Design is a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly usable (without requiring assistive technology) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technology. Examples of universally designed environments include buildings with ramps, curb cuts, and automatic doors.

Visitability means to make new homes "accessible enough" for a visitor with a disability. Visitability features include

• One zero step entrance on an accessible path of travel
• 32 inch clear openings at doorways and accessible circulation throughout the floor plan
• Basic access to at least one bath or half bath on the ground floor

Voice Recognition Technology is any technology that allows a person to use human speech to control a task, or device. Different types of voice recognition systems (also called speech recognition) are available. Voice recognition allows the user to speak to the computer or other devices instead of using a keyboard or mouse to input data or control device functions. Voice recognition systems can be used to create text documents such as letters or email, to browse the Internet, and to navigate among applications and menus by voice. They can also be used to control appliances, such as a television.

Word Prediction Programs enable the user to select a desired word from an on-screen list located in the prediction window. This list, generated by the computer, predicts words from the first one or two letters typed by the user. The word may then be selected from the list and inserted into the text by typing a number, clicking the mouse, or scanning with a switch. Some programs make predictions based on letters typed, grammar, user vocabulary and history of word usage within a document. It is intended to reduce the number of keystrokes. Word prediction software is typically used in conjunction with word processing programs, and is also found in some electronic communication devices.

4 -Track Tape Recorder is a tape recorder that plays 2 & 4 track cassette tapes and allows for the adjustment of play back speed. This type of recorder is used by persons who read books on tape.