Glossary

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Socially Assistive Robotics(also: SAR)

Socially assistive robotics is a field of robotics focused on designing robots that assist people through social interaction rather than physical manipulation. SAR robots engage users through conversation, gesture, facial expression, and behaviour to support therapy,…

Socio-Technical Aspirations

Individual- or community-driven ambition and desire to own or use a specific technology for personal benefit or societal acceptance or both. This concept, introduced by Sharma et al. (2020) as an extension to frameworks for assistive technology design, captures how technology…

Sociotechnical Identity

The aspect of personal identity that is constructed and expressed through the technologies a person uses. In assistive technology research, sociotechnical identity refers to how AT serves as a vehicle conveying both functional ability and social identity. The concept recognizes…

Sociotechnical Systems(also: Sociotechnical Assemblage)

A framework for understanding technology as inseparable from the social practices, institutions, power structures, and cultural norms in which it is embedded. In accessibility research, a sociotechnical perspective reveals that assistive technologies are not neutral tools but…

Soft Keyboard(also: On-screen Keyboard, Virtual Keyboard, OSK)

A keyboard displayed on a screen that is operated by a pointing device (mouse, touch, head tracker, eye gaze, or switch) rather than physical key presses. Soft keyboards are essential assistive technology for people who cannot use a standard physical keyboard due to motor…

Software Localization(also: L10n, Product Localization)

The process of adapting software for use in a specific locale or market, encompassing not only translation of text but also adaptation of date formats, number systems, currency, cultural conventions, and user interface design patterns. In the context of assistive technology,…

Sonification(also: Auditory display, Data sonification)

The use of non-speech audio to represent information, data, or environmental characteristics. In accessibility, sonification provides an alternative or complement to visual displays, encoding spatial, quantitative, or categorical information as sound properties such as pitch,…

Sony Access Controller(also: PlayStation Access Controller, Project Leonardo)

A customisable game controller released by Sony in 2023 for the PlayStation 5, designed for players with limited motor control. The Access Controller is a circular unit with swappable button caps, long-throw levers, adjustable stick positioning, and four 3.5mm ports for external…

Sound Amplifier(also: Google Sound Amplifier)

An Android accessibility feature that uses the smartphone's microphone and headphones to amplify and filter ambient sounds in real-time, making it easier for hard of hearing users to hear conversations and environmental audio. Sound Amplifier can boost quiet sounds, reduce…

Sound Awareness(also: Sound Awareness Technology, Environmental Sound Awareness)

The ability to perceive, identify, and respond to sounds in one's environment, and the assistive technologies designed to support this ability for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Sound awareness encompasses both safety-critical sounds (fire alarms, sirens, approaching…

Sound Awareness Technology(also: Sound Recognition Technology, Sound Notification System)

Assistive technology systems that detect, classify, and communicate environmental sounds to deaf and hard of hearing users through visual, haptic, or text-based notifications. Examples include smartphone apps that identify doorbells, alarms, and speech, as well as…

Sound Communication Technology(also: SCT)

Technologies designed to communicate aspects of sound through non-auditory sensory modalities, enabling access to audio information for people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Examples include closed captions (text-based), vibrating vests (haptic), spectrograms (visual…

Sound Event Detection(also: Audio Tagging, Automatic Sound Recognition)

A machine learning technique that automatically identifies and classifies sounds within an audio stream, such as music, applause, laughter, environmental noises, and other non-speech audio events. In accessibility contexts, sound event detection can complement automatic speech…

Sound Masking(also: Acoustic Masking, Noise Masking)

A technique that introduces ambient background sounds to reduce the perceptual prominence of unwanted or disruptive noises, rather than blocking them entirely. Originally used in architectural acoustics and tinnitus therapy, sound masking is being explored as an accessibility…

Sound Pressure Level(also: SPL, Decibel Level)

A logarithmic measure of sound intensity expressed in decibels (dB), representing the pressure of a sound wave relative to a reference level. In accessibility, SPL is critical for designing auditory feedback systems—sounds must be loud enough to be detected above ambient noise…

Sound Recognition(also: Sound Classification, Audio Event Detection, Environmental Sound Recognition)

Technology that automatically identifies and classifies sounds in a user's environment, typically using machine learning models trained on audio datasets. In accessibility contexts, sound recognition systems help deaf and hard of hearing people become aware of environmental…

Sound awareness(also: Sound recognition, Environmental sound detection)

Technology that detects and identifies sounds in the user's environment and conveys that information through alternative modalities such as visual notifications or haptic alerts. For deaf and hard-of-hearing users, sound awareness systems can identify doorbells, fire alarms,…

Soundbeam

A touchless digital musical instrument that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect movement in space and convert it into sound. Soundbeam allows users to create music through body movements, gestures, or the movement of any object, without requiring physical contact with the…

Soundscape(also: Auditory Soundscape, Audio Landscape)

An auditory environment where multiple spatialized sounds represent objects or landmarks in all directions around a listener, creating an acoustic representation of physical space. In accessibility applications, soundscapes use spatial audio technology to make virtual objects…

Space compaction(also: Horizontal compaction, White space reduction)

An accessibility technique used in screen magnification software and browser extensions that reduces excessive white space and adjusts column widths to minimize horizontal scrolling. For low-vision users who rely on high magnification levels (often 3x-16x), horizontal scrolling…

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…

Spatial Audio(also: 3D Audio, Binaural Audio)

Audio technology that creates the perception of sound coming from specific locations in three-dimensional space, using techniques such as binaural recording, head-related transfer functions, and multi-channel speaker arrays. In accessibility research, spatial audio has been used…

Spatial Audio(also: 3D Audio, Spatialised Sound, Binaural Audio)

Audio technology that creates the perception of sound coming from specific locations in three-dimensional space around the listener, using techniques such as head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), binaural rendering, and ambisonics. In accessibility, spatial audio can convey…

Spatial Mapping(also: Environment Mapping, 3D Environment Scanning)

A technology used in mixed reality and augmented reality headsets that scans and creates a digital representation of the physical environment in real time. Spatial mapping identifies surfaces such as floors, walls, tables, and ceilings, enabling virtual objects (holograms) to be…

Spatial Understanding(also: Spatial Cognition, Spatial Awareness)

The ability to comprehend and reason about the positions, sizes, shapes, and relationships of objects in three-dimensional space. Spatial understanding presents a significant accessibility challenge for blind and low-vision users, who must construct mental representations of…

Spatial audio beacon(also: Audio beacon, 3D audio waypoint)

A virtual sound source placed at a specific geographic location that a user can hear through headphones, providing directional guidance by leveraging spatial audio to indicate the direction and distance of a destination. As the user turns toward the beacon, the sound appears to…

Spatialised Audio(also: Spatial Audio, 3D Audio, Directional Audio)

Audio technology that places sounds in specific locations in three-dimensional space relative to the listener, creating the perception that sounds come from particular directions or distances. In accessibility applications for blind and low-vision users, spatialised audio can…

Spatialized Audio(also: 3D Audio, Spatial Sound, Immersive Audio)

Spatialized audio is a technology that creates the perception of sound coming from specific locations in three-dimensional space around the listener, using techniques such as head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and binaural rendering. In accessibility, spatialized audio is…

Spatialized Sound(also: Spatial Audio, 3D Audio, Spatialized Audio)

Audio that is rendered with positional information so that it appears to originate from a specific location in three-dimensional space around the listener. Spatialized sound uses techniques like head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), interaural time differences, and interaural…

Speaker Adaptation(also: Voice Adaptation, Speaker-Adaptive Training, Voice Personalization)

Speaker adaptation is the process of adjusting an existing automatic speech recognition (ASR) system — usually one trained on a large, demographically broad corpus of able-bodied speakers — to a particular individual's voice using a relatively small amount of that person's…

Speaker-dependent speech recognition(also: User-adapted ASR, Personalized speech recognition)

A speech recognition approach that trains or adapts its acoustic models to a specific individual's voice characteristics, rather than relying solely on general population models. For people with cognitive disabilities, dysarthria, or other speech differences, speaker-dependent…

Spearcon

A spearcon is a type of auditory icon created by compressing a spoken phrase until it becomes a very brief, distinctive audio cue. Unlike earcons, which use abstract musical sounds, spearcons retain a connection to the original speech, making them easier to learn and associate…

Speech Composer(also: Speech Generation, Message Composition Engine)

A software component in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems that takes user input — whether typed text, selected symbols, or telegraphic phrases — and processes it for spoken output through a text-to-speech synthesiser. Advanced speech composers may include…

Speech Generating Device(also: SGD, Voice Output Communication Aid, VOCA)

An electronic device used in augmentative and alternative communication that produces speech output, either through pre-recorded messages or text-to-speech synthesis. Speech generating devices range from dedicated hardware devices (like the Accent1400) to software applications…

Speech Input(also: Voice input, Voice control, Speech recognition input)

An input method that allows users to control devices or enter text by speaking rather than using manual touch or keyboard input. Speech input is particularly important for people with visual impairments, who use it significantly more often than sighted users to overcome the…

Speech Neuroprosthesis(also: Speech BCI, Speech Brain-Computer Interface)

A brain-computer interface that decodes neural activity associated with attempted or imagined speech and converts it into text, synthesized voice, or both. Speech neuroprostheses are designed for people with anarthria or severe dysarthria from ALS, brainstem stroke, locked-in…

Speech Output(also: Auditory Feedback, Spoken Feedback)

Speech output refers to the use of synthesised or pre-recorded human voice to convey information from a computer system or device to a user. In accessibility contexts, speech output is a primary means of making visual interfaces accessible to blind and visually impaired users,…

Speech Recognition(also: Voice Recognition, STT, Speech-to-Text)

Technology that converts spoken language into text or commands by analyzing audio input. Speech recognition powers dictation systems, voice assistants, and voice-controlled interfaces. For accessibility, speech recognition enables text input and device control for users who…

Speech Rule Engine(also: SRE)

An open-source JavaScript library that generates speech and Braille output for mathematical expressions given in presentation MathML. The Speech Rule Engine performs semantic interpretation of mathematical formulas — analyzing symbols, determining operator scope, and building…

Speech Synthesis(also: Synthetic Speech, TTS Engine)

The artificial production of human speech by computer, most commonly used in text-to-speech (TTS) systems that convert written text into spoken audio. Speech synthesis is foundational to screen readers and other assistive technologies used by people with visual impairments and…

Speech Synthesizer(also: Speech Synthesiser, Text-to-Speech Engine, TTS Engine)

Software or hardware that converts text into spoken audio output, producing artificial speech that can be used to read content aloud. Speech synthesizers are a fundamental component of many assistive technologies, including screen readers for blind users and augmentative and…

Speech User Interface(also: SUI, Voice User Interface, VUI)

A user interface that enables interaction with a computer or device primarily through spoken language rather than through physical input devices like keyboards, mice, or touchscreens. Speech user interfaces use speech recognition to interpret user commands and may provide…

Speech Visualization(also: Visual Speech Display, Speech-to-Visual Display)

Speech visualization refers to techniques that convert spoken language into visual representations to aid comprehension, particularly for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These displays can range from real-time captioning and waveform displays to more abstract…

Speech-Based Cursor Control(also: Voice Cursor Control, Speech-Driven Pointing)

A method of controlling a computer's pointing cursor using spoken voice commands rather than a mouse, trackpad, or other physical pointing device. Users speak directional commands (such as "move left," "move up") to start cursor movement and a stop command to halt it, then issue…

Speech-Based Cursor Movement(also: Voice-Controlled Cursor, Voice Cursor Control)

A technique for moving the on-screen cursor using voice commands rather than physical manipulation of a pointing device. Speech-based cursor movement systems typically use one of two approaches: discrete specification, where the user speaks a command to jump the cursor to a…

Speech-Based Navigation(also: Audio Navigation, Speech-Based Web Navigation)

A method of navigating digital content, particularly web pages, using synthesised speech output rather than visual display. In speech-based navigation, users listen to content read aloud sequentially and use keyboard commands to move between elements. This approach is inherently…

Speech-Generating Device(also: SGD, Voice Output Communication Aid, VOCA)

An electronic AAC device that produces spoken output from text or symbol input, enabling people with speech disabilities to communicate verbally with others. Speech-generating devices range from dedicated hardware (such as Tobii Dynavox devices) to software applications running…

Speech-Language Pathologist(also: SLP, Speech Therapist, Speech-Language Therapist)

A healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. In the context of accessibility, SLPs play a central role in AAC intervention — evaluating individuals for AAC needs, selecting appropriate devices and…

Speech-to-Sign Translation(also: Spoken Language to Sign Language Translation)

The process of automatically converting spoken language into sign language output, typically displayed through a signing avatar or animated character. Speech-to-sign translation involves three major components: automatic speech recognition to convert audio to text or semantic…

Speech-to-Text(also: STT, Speech Recognition, Automatic Speech Recognition)

Technology that converts spoken language into written text, enabling voice-based input for digital systems. In accessibility, speech-to-text serves multiple roles: it powers voice command interfaces for users who cannot use keyboard or touch input, generates real-time captions…