Glossary

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Assistive Technology Abandonment(also: AT Abandonment, AT Non-Use, Device Abandonment)

The phenomenon where people with disabilities stop using or choose not to use assistive technology devices that have been provided to them. Abandonment can result from multiple factors including poor device fit, discomfort, lack of training, cost of maintenance, social stigma…

Collaborative Play(also: Cooperative Play)

Play in which two or more people work together toward a shared goal, coordinating their actions, attention, and turns rather than competing or playing in parallel. Collaborative play is a common vehicle for building social skills - imitation, joint attention, turn-taking, and…

Collaborative Troubleshooting(also: Cooperative Problem-Solving)

A process where two or more people work together to identify, diagnose, and resolve technical problems, sharing knowledge and strategies to reach a solution. In assistive technology contexts, collaborative troubleshooting between screen reader users presents unique challenges…

Community Center(also: Community Space, Community Hub)

A physical or virtual space where members of a particular community gather for social support, resources, education, and shared activities. In the context of marginalized communities such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities, community centers serve as safe…

LGBTQIA+(also: LGBTQ+, LGBT, Queer Community)

An acronym representing the diverse community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual or agender, and other sexual orientations and gender identities indicated by the plus sign. In accessibility contexts, LGBTQIA+…

Online Community(also: Virtual Community, Online Forum)

A group of people who interact and share information through internet-based platforms such as mailing lists, forums, social media groups, or Q&A sites. For people with disabilities, online communities serve as critical resources for sharing accessibility knowledge,…

Online Health Community(also: OHC, Digital Health Community, Online Support Group)

A digital space where individuals with shared health conditions, disabilities, or wellness concerns connect to exchange information, provide emotional support, share experiences, and discuss treatment options. Traditional OHCs are typically hosted on dedicated forums or…

Parasocial Relationship(also: Parasocial Tie, Parasocial Interaction)

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided emotional bond that a media audience forms with a performer, creator, or online personality — the viewer feels a sense of friendship, loyalty, and familiarity despite no reciprocal awareness. In accessibility contexts, parasocial ties are…

Peer Support(also: Peer-to-Peer Support, Peer Mentoring)

A form of mutual assistance where people with shared experiences or conditions help each other by sharing knowledge, practical advice, and emotional support. In accessibility contexts, peer support communities are particularly valuable for disabled users learning complex…

Social Engagement(also: Social Participation)

The active involvement of a person in social interaction with others - making eye contact, attending to a partner, taking turns, responding to bids for attention, and sustaining shared activity. Social engagement is a foundation for communication and peer interaction, and…

Social Isolation

A state of limited or absent social contact and interaction with others, which can result from physical, environmental, or psychological barriers. For people with disabilities and older adults, social isolation often stems from mobility limitations, communication difficulties,…

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