A glossary of terms relevant to disability, accessibility and technology

Browse the glossary using this index

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L

Large print books

Most ordinary print is six to ten points in height. Large type is fourteen to eighteen points and sometimes larger. The format of large print books is also proportionately larger.

Learning disability

A cognitive impairment in comprehension or in using language, spoken or written, that manifests itself in a person’s ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations (e.g., dyslexia, dysnomia, dysgraphia). The term does not include persons who have learning difficulties that are primarily the result of mental retardation, emotional disability, or environmental, cultural or economic disadvantage.

Little person

A person with short-stature. In general, people with short-stature prefer the term “little person” to describe their physical condition. The term “dwarf” is considered derogatory.