A glossary of terms relevant to disability, accessibility and technology

A hearing and visual disability, the combination of which can cause severe communication and other developmental and educational difficulties.

A total or partial inability to hear, which can be genetic or also acquired through disease, most commonly from meningitis in childhood or rubella in a woman during pregnancy.

Film media designed for people with visual disability that provides additional narration detailing the visual elements of a film (the action of the characters, locations, costumes, etc.) Without interfering with the actual dialogue and sound effects.

People with DCD may have difficulty planning and performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, tying shoelaces, or using buttons or zippers; sometimes called dyspraxia.

A long-lasting cognitive disability occurring before age 22 that limits one or more major life activities (self-care, independent living, learning, mobility, etc.), and is likely to continue indefinitely (e.g., autism).

Computer formatted data or information.

A mental or physical condition that restricts an individual’s ability to engage in one or more major life activities (e.g., seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, communicating, sensing, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, working or caring for oneself).

When an employee with a disability shares information about their disability with others, often their employer, supervisor, prospective employer, or co-worker.

Treating people differently, or less favourably, on the basis of identity, such as disability, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

A chromosomal condition (trisomy 21) caused by the presence of one extra chromosome, and characterized by delayed physical and mental development, and often identifiable by certain physical characteristics, such as a round face, slanting eyes, and a small stature.