Glossary of Terms

Introduction and Overview

Activity

The portion of the HAAT model that defines the goal of the assistive technology system.
Example:

The activities an individual performs that are determined by the role a person plays in life.

Alpha Testing

Evaluation of a production prototype; in assistive technologies it is often one or two units.
Example:

Alpha testing is a type of acceptance testing; performed to identify all possible issues/bugs before releasing the product to everyday users or public.

Assistive Technology

Any item, piece of equipment or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 

Examples include: adapted mouse, switch, screen magnifier, VOCA, text reader, F/M system.

Practitioner (ATP)

A specialist who works with in assistive technology helping to promote and administers to those in need of assistive technology.

Example:

A counselor in a school or hospital.

Assistive Technology Service

An assistive technology service is one that directly assists in the selection, buying, designing, fitting, customizing, maintaining, repairing, replacing, and coordinating of assistive technology devices. It also includes the training of students, teachers, therapists and family members on the use and maintenance of the device.

Example:

A hospital, therapy clinic, a assistive school, any type of transportation service, or manufacturing company who makes devices.

Assistive Technology Supplier

A business that provides supplies for the disable in the areas of wheeled mobility, seating and alternative positioning, ambulation assistance, environmental control, and activities of daily living.

Example:

Bio-Tech, Pro-Fit, Accessibility Orthopedic Specialist

Consumer of Assistive Technologies

The end user of the assistive technology system.

Example:

Devices such as braille watches  (low-tech), large print computers (hig-tech)

Device

An device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functioning of individuals with disabilities. It may be purchased commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such a device. AT devices range from low tech, such as a magnifying glass to high tech, such as a computer that responds to touch and allows a child to communicate more effectively.

Example:

Computer voice response, assabitlity options

Direct Consumer Services

Assistive technology services provide to consumer.

Example: 

The Office for the Blind Assistive Technology Services support individuals who are blind and visually impaired in the selection, training and use of adaptive devices

Participation

A framework for the identification of potential barriers to educational access, especially those that can be addressed through the application of assistive technology.

Example:

Office for the Blind believes in providing individuals with the tools and devices and instruction needed in order for them to achieve their independent living, educational and vocational goals

Prototype

The initial new device that is produced as the product of engineering development.Quality Assurance

Example:

Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices

Reasonable Accommodation

Is an adjustment made in a system to accommodate or make fair the same system for an individual based on a proven need. Accommodations can be religious, academic, or employment related and are often mandated by law. Each country has its own system of reasonable accommodations.

Example:

Reasonable Accommodation means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; 

Tele-rehabilitation

The use of telecommunications technologies to capture and transmit visual and audio information, biomedical data and consumer information.

Example: 

Leasing and devices for assistive technology.

Trans-disciplinary Team Approach

The trans disciplinary approach is a framework for allowing members of an educational team to contribute knowledge and skills, collaborate with other members, and collectively determine the services that most would benefit a child.

Example:

Training or technical assistance for professionals to employ, or improve the major life functions of an individual

Universal Design

Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for designing curriculum that provides all individuals, including those with learning differences, with equal opportunities to learn.

Examples:

Include accessible websites, electronic versions of textbooks and other materials; captioned and/or narrated videos; word processors with word prediction; and voice recognition