Glossary
Terms used in accessibility research and practice. Each entry has a definition, common aliases, and category tags.
Search results
- Hierarchy of Impairment(also: Hierarchy of Impairments, Disability Hierarchy)
- The hierarchy of impairment refers to the phenomenon where certain types of disabilities and impairments are viewed more favorably or given greater attention than others, both by non-disabled people and within the disability community itself. Research by Mark Deal documented how…
- Hostile Design(also: Hostile architecture, Deterrent design)
- A design orientation in which systems — physical, digital, or bureaucratic — are intentionally configured to deter use, discourage certain populations, or reduce uptake, rather than to enable access. Originally applied to urban features like anti-homeless benches and spikes, the…
- Hypervigilance
- A state of heightened alertness and sensitivity to potential threats in one's environment, commonly associated with PTSD, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Hypervigilant individuals may constantly scan for danger, feel uncomfortable with people behind them, need clear exit routes,…
3 results.