Glossary

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Skeuomorphic Design(also: Skeuomorphism)

A design approach in which digital interface elements are made to resemble their real-world physical counterparts in appearance and behavior. For example, a digital notepad might have lined paper texture and a spiral binding, or a file folder icon might open with a tab-dragging…

Spatial Assessment(also: Spatial Descriptor)

The use of spatial attributes such as distance, dimensions, and location to describe objects in a visual scene. Research with blind users has found that spatial assessment descriptors are problematic because they rely on sighted language and assumptions — distance is relative to…

Syntactic Accessibility(also: Technical Accessibility)

The dimension of web accessibility concerned with the correctness of code sent to the browser and assistive technologies. Syntactic accessibility focuses on whether HTML markup, ARIA attributes, and other technical elements conform to standards so that content can be properly…

Technoableism

A concept describing how technology is framed as a solution to disability in ways that reinforce ableist assumptions, treating disability primarily as a problem to be fixed rather than a form of human diversity. Coined in the context of disability studies and critical technology…

Text Alternatives(also: Text Alternative, Text Equivalent)

WCAG 2.1 Guideline 1.1 and success criterion 1.1.1 require that all non-text content (images, charts, audio, video, form controls, etc.) have a text alternative serving the equivalent purpose. Text alternatives can be presented as alt text on an image, an aria-label on a…

Transparency in AI(also: AI Transparency, Algorithmic Transparency)

The principle that AI systems should clearly communicate how they work, what data they use, where processing occurs, and what their limitations are. In accessibility contexts, blind users have expressed strong desires to understand how AI-enabled privacy techniques are designed,…

Universal Access(also: Universal Accessibility)

The principle and practice of designing products, environments, programs, and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal access extends beyond physical environments to encompass digital…

Universal Accessibility(also: Accessibility for All)

A broad approach to accessibility that goes beyond technical compliance with specific disability-focused guidelines to encompass the needs of all users regardless of age, experience, cultural background, or ability. Universal accessibility considers not only coding standards but…

Universal Design(also: UD)

A design philosophy and practice that aims to create products, environments, and systems usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Originating in architecture with Ron Mace at North Carolina State University,…

User Empowerment(also: Design for User Empowerment)

A design philosophy that prioritizes giving users, particularly people with disabilities, the agency and tools to solve their own problems, customize their experiences, and participate as active creators rather than passive consumers of technology. Coined in accessibility…

Visual Description(also: Visual Content Description)

The practice of conveying visual information through non-visual means, primarily text or speech. Visual description encompasses various contexts including image descriptions, alternative text, audio description of video, and assessment descriptors for privacy tools. Research in…

Visual Epistemology(also: Sighted Epistemology)

Ways of knowing and understanding the world that are dependent on visual perception. Visual epistemology treats sight as the primary and most reliable sense for gathering information, often positioning visual evidence as more trustworthy or complete than information obtained…

Wholeness

Wholeness is a core principle of the 10 Principles of Disability Justice articulated by Sins Invalid: the recognition that 'each person is full of history and life experience' and has inherent worth outside capitalist notions of productivity. It challenges medical-model framings…

Workplace Accommodation(also: Reasonable Accommodation, Job Accommodation)

Modifications or adjustments to a job, work environment, or work processes that enable a person with a disability to perform their job duties and participate equally in the workplace. Accommodations can include physical modifications (accessible workstations, ergonomic…

Workplace Inclusion(also: Inclusive Workplace)

The practice of creating work environments where all employees, including those with disabilities, can participate fully, contribute their skills, and access the same opportunities for development and advancement. Workplace inclusion goes beyond physical accessibility to…

eAccessibility(also: Electronic Accessibility, ICT Accessibility, Digital Accessibility)

The concept of ensuring that all people, including those with disabilities and elderly people with reduced functional capabilities, have equal access to information and services made available through electronic and digital technologies. eAccessibility encompasses websites,…