Search glossary
A
-
Ableism
A pervasive system of discrimination that privileges people without disabilities and disadvantages people with disabilities. Like other forms of oppression, ableism operates on individual, institutional, and cultural levels. It includes attitudes, actions, and circumstances that devalue people because of disability.
Source:UW DO-IT
-
Accessibility (a11y)
The practice of making digital content usable by people with disabilities. The abbreviation "a11y" comes from the word "accessibility" (a + 11 letters + y).
-
ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act)
A U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title II applies to public entities like universities.
See also:Title II,Section 508
-
Alt text (Alternative text)
A text description of an image that screen readers announce to users who cannot see the image. Should convey the purpose or content of the image, not just describe it literally.
Learn more:WebAIM Alt Text Guide
-
ARIA(Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
A set of HTML attributes that define ways to make web content more accessible. ARIA provides extra information to assistive technologies about widgets, structures, and behaviors.
Learn more:ARIA Authoring Practices
-
Assistive Technology (AT)
Hardware or software that helps people with disabilities use computers and digital content. Examples include screen readers, screen magnifiers, alternative keyboards, and switch devices.
C
-
Captions (Closed Captions)
Text displayed on video that represents the audio content, including dialogue and important sounds. "Closed" means they can be turned on/off; "open" means they're burned into the video.
Learn more:W3C Captions Guide
-
CART(Communication Access Realtime Translation)
Real-time captioning provided by a trained stenographer who types what's being said during a live event. More accurate than automated captions.
-
Color Contrast
The difference in brightness between text and its background. WCAG requires a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability.
D
-
DRC(Disability Resource Center)
The UA office that provides accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. Faculty receive accommodation letters from the DRC.
Visit:DRC Website
F
-
Focus Indicator
A visible outline or highlight that shows which element on a page currently has keyboard focus. Essential for keyboard users to know where they are on a page.
-
Fundamental Alteration
A legal defense where making content accessible would fundamentally change the nature of a program or service. Requires formal documentation and approval; rarely applies.
I
-
Identity-First Language
Language that leads with the disability (e.g., "disabled person," "autistic person"). Preferred by many in the disability community who view their disability as an integral part of their identity, not something separate from who they are. Contrasts with person-first language. When in doubt, follow the individual's preference.
See also: Person-First Language
-
Intersectionality
The concept that individuals hold multiple social identities (such as race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status) that interact and create unique experiences of privilege and oppression. A Black woman with a disability, for example, may face barriers that are distinct from those faced by white disabled people or Black people without disabilities.
Source:UW DO-IT
-
Invisible Disability
A disability that is not immediately apparent to others. Examples include learning disabilities, attention deficits, autism spectrum disorders, psychiatric impairments, chronic pain, diabetes, and many others. People with invisible disabilities often face unique challenges, including disbelief or having their needs questioned.
Learn more:UW DO-IT: Invisible Disabilities
J
-
JAWS(Job Access With Speech)
A commercial screen reader for Windows made by Freedom Scientific. One of the most widely used screen readers, especially in enterprise and education settings.
K
-
Keyboard Accessibility
The ability to use a website or application using only the keyboard (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys, Escape). Critical for users who cannot use a mouse.
Learn more:WebAIM Keyboard Guide
L
-
Landmarks
Regions of a page that screen readers can jump to directly, like navigation, main content, and footer. Defined using HTML5 elements (nav, main, footer) or ARIA roles.
-
Live Region
A page area that announces changes to screen reader users automatically, without requiring them to navigate there. Used for alerts, status updates, and chat messages.
M
-
Medical Model of Disability
A framework that views disability as a deficit or problem located within the individual that needs to be "fixed" or cured through medical intervention. Often contrasted with the social model.
See also: Social Model of Disability
-
Models of Disability
Different conceptual frameworks for understanding disability. Major models include: (1)Medical model– views disability as a defect to be cured; (2)Social model– views disability as created by societal barriers; (3)Charity model– views disabled people as objects of pity needing help; (4)Rights-based model– views disability through a civil rights lens. Most accessibility professionals align with the social or rights-based model.
Source:UW DO-IT
N
-
Neurodiversity
The concept that neurological differences (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions) are natural variations in the human genome, not deficits to be cured. Introduced in the 1990s by autistic sociologist Judy Singer. The term emphasizes that diverse ways of thinking and processing information have value.
Source:UW DO-IT
-
Neurodivergent
Describes an individual whose brain functions differently from what is considered "typical" or "neurotypical." Includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological differences. The term is often used as an identity term by those in the neurodiversity movement.
-
Neurotypical
Describes an individual whose neurological development and functioning are considered typical or standard. Used in contrast to "neurodivergent."
-
NVDA(NonVisual Desktop Access)
A free, open-source screen reader for Windows. Widely used and an excellent choice for testing. Made by NV Access.
Download:NV Access
P
-
PDF (Tagged PDF)
A PDF file that includes structural information (tags) that define reading order, headings, lists, and alternative text. Required for screen readers to interpret the document correctly.
Learn more:PDF Remediation Guide
-
Person-First Language
Language that puts the person before the disability (e.g., "person with a disability," "student who is blind"). Emphasizes that the person is not defined by their disability. Preferred by some, though others prefer identity-first language. When in doubt, ask the individual.
See also: Identity-First Language
-
POUR
The four principles of WCAG:Perceivable,Operable,Understandable,Robust. All accessibility requirements fall under one of these principles.
S
-
Screen Reader
Software that reads digital content aloud or sends it to a braille display. Used primarily by people who are blind or have low vision. Common examples: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack.
-
Section 508
Part of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act requiring federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible. Often used as a procurement standard.
Learn more:Section508.gov
-
Semantic HTML
Using HTML elements for their intended purpose (headings for headings, lists for lists, buttons for buttons). Provides structure that assistive technologies understand.
-
Skip Link
A link at the top of a page that lets keyboard users skip past repetitive navigation and jump directly to the main content. Usually visible only when focused.
-
Social Model of Disability
A framework that views disability as created by barriers in society—physical, attitudinal, and systemic—rather than by an individual's impairment. Under this model, a wheelchair user is disabled not by their inability to walk, but by buildings without ramps. This model drives most modern accessibility work.
See also: Medical Model of Disability, Models of Disability
T
-
TalkBack
The built-in screen reader for Android devices. Uses gestures for navigation and speaks content aloud.
-
Title II (ADA)
The section of the ADA that applies to state and local governments, including public universities. Requires accessible programs, services, and activities—including digital ones.
Learn more:ADA Web Guidance
-
Transcript
A text version of audio or video content. Includes all spoken words and describes important sounds. Can be read or searched, unlike captions which are time-synced.
U
-
Universal Design (UD)
"The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." Coined by architect Ron Mace. The foundation for accessibility in built environments, technology, and education.
See also: UDL, UDI
-
UDI(Universal Design of Instruction)
The application of universal design principles to teaching. Addresses class climate, interaction, physical spaces, delivery methods, information resources, feedback, assessment, and accommodations. Developed extensively by Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler at UW DO-IT.
Learn more:UW DO-IT: UDI
-
UDL(Universal Design for Learning)
An educational framework that provides multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. Benefits all learners, not just those with disabilities. Developed by CAST.
Learn more:CAST UDL Guidelines
V
-
VoiceOver
Apple's built-in screen reader for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Included free with all Apple devices.
-
VPAT(Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
A document that vendors create to describe how their product meets accessibility standards. Used during procurement to evaluate products. Quality varies widely.
Learn more:ITI VPAT Overview
W
-
WCAG(Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
The international standard for web accessibility, published by W3C. Arizona aligns to WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Organized around the POUR principles with three conformance levels (A, AA, AAA).
Learn more:W3C WCAG Overview
-
WAVE
A free web accessibility evaluation tool from WebAIM. Available as a browser extension or online checker. Shows errors, alerts, and structural elements visually on a page.
Suggest a term
Missing a term? Emailaccessibility@arizona.eduwith the term and we'll add it.