Glossary

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BIGmack Switch(also: BIGmack, BIGmack Communicator)

A single-message assistive technology device that allows a user to press a large button to play a pre-recorded message. BIGmack Switches are widely used in special education and communication interventions for individuals with significant speech and motor disabilities, including…

Cause and Effect Software(also: Cause and Effect Games, Contingency Learning Software)

Simple interactive software designed for users with significant cognitive or motor disabilities, where any input (such as pressing a switch) produces an immediate sensory response (visual, auditory, or both). These programs help users understand the relationship between their…

Microswitch(also: Micro-switch, Assistive Switch)

A small, sensitive switch used in assistive technology that can be activated by minimal physical movement such as a light touch, head turn, or muscle contraction. Microswitches are used to provide environmental control and communication access for people with severe motor…

Morse Code(also: Morse Code Input)

A communication system that encodes text characters as sequences of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). Originally developed for telegraphy, Morse code has found significant application in assistive technology as an alternative text input method for people with…

Response Time(also: Reaction Time, Tact)

The time elapsed between the presentation of a stimulus and the user's physical response, typically measured in milliseconds. In scanning-based AAC, response time (often called Tact) is the interval between when an item is highlighted and when the user activates the switch.…

Scanning Delay(also: Tscan, Scan Rate, Dwell Time)

The time interval a scanning system waits before automatically advancing to highlight the next item. Setting scanning delay appropriately is critical for switch access users: too short causes selection errors because the user cannot respond quickly enough; too long dramatically…

Scanning Rate(also: Scan Rate, Scan Speed, Dwell Time)

The speed at which options in a scanning interface are sequentially highlighted, typically measured in seconds per item. The scanning rate is a critical configuration parameter in switch-access systems — too fast and the user cannot react in time to make a selection, too slow…

Scanning System(also: Automatic Scanning, Group Scanning, Row-Column Scanning)

An assistive technology input method in which selectable items are sequentially highlighted on screen, and the user activates a switch (or other simple input) when the desired item is highlighted. Scanning systems are designed for people with severe motor disabilities who can…

Switch Keyboard(also: Scanning Keyboard, On-Screen Scanning Keyboard)

A switch keyboard is a virtual keyboard interface designed for people with severe motor disabilities who cannot use a standard keyboard or pointing device. It works through a scanning mechanism: a cursor automatically moves across rows and columns of the keyboard, and the user…

Switch Scanning(also: Scanning Mode, Auto Scanning)

An input method for assistive technology where options are sequentially highlighted (scanned) and the user activates a single switch to select the currently highlighted item. This enables people with severe motor disabilities to access computers, communication devices, and other…

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