AzTAP: Assistive Technology in Arizona

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A Glossary of Assistive Technology Terms

  • 4 -Track Tape Recorder- 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.
  • Abbreviation Expansion Software- 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- The strategy, method, and site of contact between the person and the technology.
  • Access Method- The action by which the person operates the assistive technology. Adapted Driving AT- 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- Sports equipment that is modified or adapted to allow people with disabilities to engage in sports on a recreational or competitive level. Examples: 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- 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.
  • Alternative Access Techniques- Any special methods of controlling a device that allows it to be used by individuals with disabilities.
  • Alternative Keyboards (Keyboard Emulators)- Hardware that replaces or works in addition to the standard keyboard keyboards. They may be larger than standard keyboards, may have the keys configured differently, or may be set-up for one-handed typing. Alternative keyboards must be positioned to meet the specific needs of the user.
  • Alternative Pointer Devices, Hand Operated- 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.
  • Assistive Technology- As defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997, SEC. 602. DEFINITIONS
    1. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE- The term ’assistive technology device’ means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
    2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE- The term ’assistive technology service’ means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes--
    • (A) the evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;
    • (B) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by such child
    • (C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
    • (D) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
    • (E) training or technical assistance for such child, or, where appropriate, the family of such child; and
    • (F) training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of such child.
  • Augmentative/Alternative Communication- Any device or system (electronic or non-electronic) used to enhance communication for persons who are nonverbal or who have limited functional speech. Communication devices that "talk" are also known as Voice Output Communication Aids. Electronic communication aids may use digitized (recorded) speech, synthesized (artificial) speech, or both. There are many different types of electronic communication aids, with a wide range of complexity and price
  • Automatic Scanning- (See under Scanning)
  • Battery Interrupter- 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 an 1/8 inch mono phone jack.
  • Braille- 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- A printer for producing Braille output either manually or by computer. Braille translation software is required for computer .
  • Braille Note Takers - Hardware that allows input via a Braille-style keyboard.
  • Braille Printer- Hardware that prints documents in Braille on embossed paper through a Braille translation program.
  • Conference Microphone- Holds an FM (frequency modulation) transmitter that enables the person with a hearing impairment to participate in a group discussion.
  • Direct Selection- 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- 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)- 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
  • Eye Controlled Pointer Device- 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- An amplification device that provides 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- 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 and environmental control units.
  • High tech- The use of electronics or computers as a solution (see “Light Tech”)
  • IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA was amended in 1997. One amendment addresses the role of Assistive Technology in Special Education and mandates that AT be considered at every IEP of every student regardless of Disability.
  • IEP- The Individualized Education Program (or Plan) is a written plan, developed by the student’s family, special educators, related service providers and regular education staff. The IEP specifies measurable instructional goals and any special education and related services needed. The following must be included:
    1. The present level of educational performance (PLEP)
    2. Annual goals, including short-term objectives or benchmarks
    3. A statement of specific services, if needed
    4. The programs
    5. The date when special services are to begin and the expected duration of these services
    6. The procedures to determine if the instructional objectives are being met
    The IEP goals must be tied to state academic or functional standards, and a transition plan must be included for students aged 14 and up. The IEP must be written and reviewed at least annually and Assistive Technology must be considered at every IEP of every student, regardless of disability.
  • IFSP- Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP): the written document that defines the early intervention services provided to a child and family.
  • Indirect Selection- A control or choice-making method that uses intermediary steps in making a selection.
  • Infrared System- An amplification device, as above, but transmission is via an infrared signal rather than by a FM signal.
  • Inverse Scanning- (See under scanning)
  • Joystick- With four or five directional controls, joysticks can be used for mobility, or for access to computers. Joysticks 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- 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- 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- 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- Bumps, highlights, or stickers can be affixed to moisture guards or directly to the keypads to offer a visual or tactile cue to the user.
  • Latching Switch- (See under Switch).
  • Light Tech- The use of low cost, non-electronic solutions (see “High Tech”). Also referred to as “Low Tech”.
  • Macros- Programs that allow the user to use a single input to activate a series of tasks which the computer than performs automatically.
  • Momentary Switch- (See under Switch)
  • Memory- The ability to store or encode new information for later retrieval.
  • Morse Code- The same Morse Code once used for telegraphs 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 and mobility aids such as power wheelchairs.
  • Mouse Emulator- A device that imitates and takes the place of a computer mouse.
  • Mouse Emulator Head Mounted Pointing System- Direct selection method tracks or follows the user’s head movements and produces a corresponding cursor movement on the screen.
  • Operator- Any person using assistive technology.
  • Optical Scanner- Translates a paper document into a computer image display on the monitor.
  • Overlay- A plastic or paper sheet printed with letters, words or symbols that is placed on a levels-based Augmentative Communication or computer access device.
  • 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.
  • 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- An indirect access method that requires the user to wait while the device steps thought 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.
    • Automatic Scanning - A method for switch activation starts the sequence, which then proceeds automatically. When the desired selection is highlighted a second switch activation selects that choice.
    • Inverse Scanning - 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 thought the choices.
    • Row-Column Scanning- 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- 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.
  • Screen Enlarger/Magnifier- Software that magnifies the contents of a computer screen for the Visually Impaired.
  • Screen Readers- Software that supports the generation of speech to enable a visually impaired user to navigate the computer screen by having the text spoken out loud.
  • Sip'n'Puff- (See under Switches.)
  • Speech Recognition/Voice Recognition- 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- 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- 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.
  • Switch- A commercial or home-made 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- 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 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- 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- 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.
    • ansmitter 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.
  • Target Device- 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- Software that “reads” text on the computer screen out loud using synthesized speech.
  • Touch Sticks- A stick that allows the user to directly access a keyboard or switch.
  • Touch Pad Keyboard- A pressure sensitive membrane that responds to touch. It can be fitted with various overlays that can be customized with letters, words, or pictures.
  • Trackball/Rollerball- An upside down Mouse that can be operated with the hand, chin, or foot.
  • TTY/TTD- A device that enables hearing- or speech-impaired users to transmit and receive typed-in exchanges over phone lines. The Arizona Council for the Hearing Impaired (ACHI) has a statewide program to purchase, repair and distribute communication devices to residents of this state who are deaf, deaf/blind, severely hearing and/or speech impaired for access to telephone service and Dual Party Telephone Relay Service at no charge. This includes distribution of telebraille machines and assistive listening uniphones.
  • Talking Calculators- Calculators that give audio feedback.
  • Touch Window- A computer input device that uses a touch-sensitive transparent window placed on the computer screen. It performs mouse functions with a finger or a stylus touch directly on the screen.
  • Universal Design- Principles for designing and creating products that are usable by all people, including those with disabilities.
  • Voice Recognition Technology- Any technology that allows the operator to use human speech to control a task, or device.
  • Word Prediction Software- Programs that predict words by providing a menu of word choices based on each subsequent letter typed. 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.