Global Glossary


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A

Access Method

When we talk about "access" we are referring to the way in which an individual physically manipulates a piece of technology such as a computer or iPhone. Common access methods include touch or using the mouse. The keyboard is another form of access method.  


Accessibility Options

Every modern electronic device has a set of options designed to make access easier to use for people with disabilities. In some versions of Windows these are known as "ease of access settings."


Android

The Android operating system is the software which runs on most smartphones (other than Apple). Although Android is made by Google, it runs on lots of phones from other companies, including Samsung. The accessibility options on any device are defined by the version of Android on the phone (or iOS, if using Apple). 


C

Cause and effect

The first level of understanding that an individual can control a toy, event, person or app via a switch or other access method. There are various paths you can follow to help someone develop cause and effect skills and then move on to more functional activities. 


D

Direct Access

When people use a computer, smartphone or tablet using their finger or a stylus. This term is used because you are directly selecting an item on the screen with your finger, rather an using a mouse indirectly to point at it. Eye gaze is often claimed to be a form of direct access because you look directly at the item on the screen to make a selection. 


G

Glidepad

A glidepad is also known as a trackpad. They are commonly found on the front of laptops and used to move the pointer around. They are useful for people with limited movement and grip but able to isolate a finger for moving a mouse pointer. 


H

Headpointer

A headpointer allows a user to move the mouse cursor on screen using head movements. These are a good consideration for people who can move their head accurately without getting tired. 


I

iOS

The operating system that runs on all Apple iPhones, iPads and iTouch devices. The version number of iOS tells us about the accessibility options on the device. Higher versions have better accessibility and so can be used by a wider range of people. 


J

Joystick

A joystick is either a special type of mouse or a common way to control computer games. As a mouse, the joystick has the advantage of having an easier grip and requires different movements in the wrist and arm compared to a mouse - making it easier for some. 


M

Mouse Keys

Mouse Keys is a feature in Windows and Apple OSX that enables anyone to use the numeric keypad keys to move the mouse pointer around and make selections.


O

Operating System

The main background software that is running on your smartphone, computer or tablet. Examples include Windows, iOS and Android. Each platform has a different set of accessibility options so needs consideration for disability access when purchasing a device. Also described as the "platform."


R

Rollerball

A rollerball or trackball is a type of mouse. Instead of moving the mouse around on a surface it stays in the same place and you roll a ball on top. This is particularly useful if you have limited space or an uneven surface. 


S

Speech Recognition

A system where the computer listens to you, understands what you say, and responds to commands. Typically this has been to transcribe text into a document from voice, but recently is used more widely through devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant.


Sticky Keys

An accessibility option on most devices that allows a user to press keyboard shortcut keys one after the other, instead of holding them down at the same time. For example CTRL and then C, rather than CTRL and C. 


Stylus

A stylus is used to access touch screen devices and, occasionally, standard keyboards. They are most often held in the hand but sometimes people use styluses mounted to head gear, in the mouth, or using the foot. 


Switch Access

Switches are special buttons that provide access to modern tablets, smartphones and computers. A single button can perform similar functionality as a mouse, keyboard and touch screen. They accomplish this through an approach known as scanning. 


Switch Scanning

A system that allows a person to use a single button (or other switch) to select from multiple options, such as an entire keyboard layout. Each option is presented, one a time, usually in an endless loop. The person pressed their button when the option they want is highlighted. 



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