Glossary

There are some terms and technologies that new users may not be familiar with but are commonly used with respect to computers and assistive software. Here are a few that might be helpful.

Abbreviation Expansion - assistive technology that allows users to type out complex words and phrases by typing only preset abbreviations. In doing so, the user is required to make fewer keystrokes and productivity is greatly increased. Useful for those with difficulty typing due to mobility impairments and also for those with problems spelling and such.

Access Technology - assistive technology that allows users to work with computers more easily (e.g. keyboard alternatives, screen readers).

Adaptive Technology - Assistive technology that enables users to better adapt to their environment (e.g. environment control, OCR readers).

Assistive Technology - any technology that enables someone to do something they otherwise couldn't. Includes computer hardware and software that enable users to use computers more easily or to facilitate living in a given environment (see Adaptive Technology and Access Technology).

Continuous Voice Recognition - voice recognition technology that allows users to speak continuously without pausing between words (see Discrete Voice Recognition). More convenient than Discrete VR, but also more prone to error.

Discrete Voice Recognition - voice recognition technology that requires users to pause between each word (see Continuous Voice Recognition). A less convenient but surer method of converting speech into computerized text.

Dvorak Keyboard Layouts - keyboard layout designed to maximize efficiency by placing the most used keys close together. Allows users to type faster, more accurately and more efficiently, while reducing wear and tear from repetitive motion.

Ergonomic Devices - Any hardware peripheral designed to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.

Freeware - registered / full software programs available free of charge. Usually available for download online.

Mouse Wrapping - allows users to drag the mouse cursor off one side of the desktop and make it reappear on the other side. This can help reduce the effort necessary to operate the mouse and speed up many small tasks.

Next-Word Prediction - smart prediction feature of more expensive word prediction software that suggests the next word in a sentence before typing the first letter (see Same-Word Prediction) based on previous text.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) - assistive technology that allows users to convert written text to computer text with a flatbed scanner (scanners by themselves can only convert written text to an image file). In conjunction with a screen reader with speech or Braille output, OCR technology can help users with impaired vision and underdeveloped reading skills gain greater access to written material.

On Screen Keyboards - are used by people who are unable to use a standard keyboard. An on-screen keyboard enables selection of keys by using pointing devices, switches, or Morse-code input systems, for example.

Same-Word Prediction - prediction feature of word prediction software that gives users a choice of words based on letters already typed in.

Screen Magnification - assistive technology that allows users to zoom in and view items on their computer screen at a larger size. This allows users with impaired vision to see the computer screen more easily.

Screen Readers - the generic term for software that communicates the information on the computer screen to the user. Generally, this is done through speech synthesis software, which reads the text to the user although Braille is also common for the blind and visually impaired. Great for those who have difficulty reading or seeing the computer screen.

Shareware - software programs that are available for free for a limited time or with only partial functionality. Some shareware, however, works adequately even without registration. In any case, to gain full functionality, users must register their shareware with the programmer / manufacturer for a fee.

Shortcuts - an icon on the desktop or taskbar that gives users one button access to frequently used software applications.

Spam - unsolicited mass e-mails.

Speech Synthesis (text-to-speech) - technology that allows computers to generate speech from computer text. Often used in screen readers and talking word processors to help users understand their computer.

Talking Word Processors - word processing software that speaks letters and words as the user types. Gives users instant feedback as to whether they have made the proper or desired keystrokes. Great for helping beginning typists gain confidence in their abilities.

Typing Tutorials - programs designed to improve the user's keyboarding skills. This includes learning proper keyboarding form, increasing typing speed, and more.

Voice Recognition (speech-to-text) - assistive technology that allows users enter data into their computer through oral dictation. The technology is not yet perfected, even the most advanced programs are very difficult to use and have a high instance of error. To use these programs requires extremely precise and clear speech as well as a lot of time and effort for proofreading. This makes this particular technology quite inaccessible for the disabled. Perhaps in a few years, with any luck, this will no longer be the case.

Word Prediction - assistive technology in which users can complete words and phrases without typing them out fully by choosing the desired word from a list of possibilities. This reduces the number of keystrokes necessary to complete most words and some commonly used phrases. This can help boost productivity and reduce wear and tear on limbs from repetitive typing. Useful for those with difficulty typing due to mobility impairments and also for those with problems spelling and such.