Glossary

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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 Design(also: Audio Design)

The craft of creating, selecting, and arranging audio elements - dialogue, music, ambient sound, foley, and effects - to shape the experience of a film, game, broadcast, or interactive product. For accessibility, sound design is doubly important: it carries narrative and…

Sound Effect(also: SFX, Audio Effect)

An artificially created or enhanced sound used to emphasize or accompany actions, events, or atmosphere in media. In accessible webtoon and comic production, sound effects are categorized into five types: environmental ambience (crowd cheering, classroom conversations),…

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 Localization(also: Auditory Localization)

The ability to determine the direction and distance of a sound source using auditory cues such as differences in timing and intensity between the two ears. Blind and visually impaired people often develop enhanced sound localization skills as a compensatory strategy for…

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 Prominence(also: Sound Salience, Auditory Salience)

The perceptual quality that makes certain sounds stand out from others in an auditory scene, determined by factors such as loudness, distinctiveness, proximity, and relevance to the listener. Sound prominence is a key parameter for sound awareness technologies serving deaf and…

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 Representation(also: Sound Depiction)

The methods and conventions used to convey audio information through text in captions and other written formats. Common approaches include descriptive text (explaining the sound source and quality), onomatopoeia (words that mimic sounds), and sensory quality-focused descriptions…

Sound Visualization(also: Audio Visualization, Sound-to-Visual Mapping)

The practice of representing audio information through visual means, enabling Deaf or Hard-of-hearing individuals to perceive sound-based information that would otherwise be inaccessible. Sound visualization goes beyond simple captioning to convey characteristics like loudness…

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,…

Sound localization(also: Auditory localization, Spatial hearing)

The ability to identify the direction and distance of a sound source, relying on cues such as interaural time differences, intensity differences, and spectral filtering by the outer ear. Sound localization is critical for spatial awareness, safety, and immersive experiences in…

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…

South African Sign Language(also: SASL)

The primary sign language used by the Deaf community in South Africa, recognized as one of the country's official languages under the Constitution. SASL has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary distinct from spoken South African languages. Like all sign languages, SASL is a…

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…

Spasm(also: Muscle Spasm, Spasticity)

A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles that can cause uncontrolled movement or a temporary inability to move. Spasms are common in conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. In the context of computer accessibility,…

Spasmodic Dysphonia(also: Laryngeal Dystonia, SD)

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the laryngeal muscles during speech, causing interruptions in voice production. The most common form, adductor spasmodic dysphonia, causes the vocal folds to close too tightly, producing…

Spastic Cerebral Palsy(also: Spastic CP)

The most common subtype of cerebral palsy, characterised by stiff or tight muscles (hypertonia) and exaggerated reflexes, caused by damage to the motor cortex or corticospinal tracts of the developing brain. Subtypes are further classified by the limbs affected (diplegia,…

Spastic Diplegia(also: Diplegic Cerebral Palsy)

A form of cerebral palsy characterised by muscle stiffness (spasticity) that primarily affects the lower limbs, though the upper limbs may also be mildly affected. It is one of the most common types of cerebral palsy. People with spastic diplegia may walk independently, use…

Spastic Quadriplegia(also: Spastic Tetraplegia)

The most severe subtype of spastic cerebral palsy, characterised by stiff, tight muscles (spasticity) and significantly reduced voluntary movement in all four limbs and often the trunk. People with spastic quadriplegia commonly use powered wheelchairs and may rely on switch…

Spastic Triplegia(also: Triplegic Cerebral Palsy)

A form of cerebral palsy in which three limbs are affected by spasticity (muscle stiffness), typically both legs and one arm. This condition presents unique challenges for assistive technology use because the individual has limited function in three limbs while retaining…

Spasticity(also: Muscle Spasticity, Hypertonia)

A condition in which muscles are continuously contracted or stiff, causing tightness and resistance to movement. Spasticity is a common symptom of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke, and can significantly impact fine motor control needed for tasks…

Spatial Anchor(also: World Anchor, Azure Spatial Anchor)

A reference point in physical space used to precisely position and lock virtual content to real-world locations in augmented reality applications. Spatial anchors ensure that virtual objects remain consistently placed relative to the physical environment across devices and…

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 Awareness(also: Spatial Cognition, Environmental Awareness)

The understanding of one's surrounding environment and one's own position within it. In accessibility contexts, spatial awareness encompasses multiple dimensions: the scale and shape of an area, one's position and orientation within it, the presence and arrangement of objects,…

Spatial Cognition(also: Spatial Understanding, Spatial Awareness)

The mental processes involved in perceiving, storing, recalling, and reasoning about spatial relationships, layouts, and environments. Spatial cognition enables people to form mental maps, navigate through spaces, and understand the arrangement of objects. For people who are…

Spatial Computing(also: Spatial interaction)

A paradigm of computing in which digital content is rendered and interacted with in three-dimensional physical space, typically via head-worn augmented or mixed reality devices (e.g., HoloLens, Magic Leap, Apple Vision Pro, Snap Spectacles) that track head pose, hands, eyes, and…

Spatial Grammar(also: Spatial Syntax)

Spatial grammar is the set of grammatical rules that signed languages express through the three-dimensional signing space in front of the signer, rather than through linear word order. Signers establish referents at specific spatial loci, use directional verbs that agree with…

Spatial Inflection(also: Verb Agreement, Directional Verb, Inflecting Verb)

A grammatical process in sign languages where the motion path and orientation of a verb sign are modified based on the 3D locations in space that have been assigned to its subject and/or object during discourse. In American Sign Language and many other sign languages, signers…

Spatial Learning(also: Spatial Cognition, Environmental Learning)

The process of acquiring and integrating information about an environment into cognitive maps — mental representations of spatial relationships between places, paths, and landmarks. For sighted individuals, spatial learning occurs largely through casual visual observation. For…

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 Memorization(also: Spatial Memory Strategy, Kitchen Layout Memory)

A compensatory strategy used by blind and low vision individuals to navigate and interact with environments by memorizing the spatial layout of objects, tools, and landmarks. In cooking, spatial memorization involves learning where ingredients, utensils, and appliances are…

Spatial Navigation(also: Spatial Orientation, Spatial Wayfinding)

The cognitive process of determining and following a route from one location to another, involving the ability to remain oriented, recall routines, recognize landmarks, and make decisions at choice points such as intersections and turns. Spatial navigation relies on a…

Spatial Orientation(also: Spatial Awareness, Orientation and Mobility)

The ability to understand one's position and the arrangement of objects within a physical or digital environment. For blind and low vision users, spatial orientation relies on non-visual cues including tactile landmarks, audio beacons, verbal descriptions, and mental mapping. In…

Spatial Orientation and Navigation(also: SON, Orientation and Navigation)

The set of skills and strategies used to understand one's position in space, plan routes, and travel from one location to another. For blind and low-vision individuals, spatial orientation and navigation involves using non-visual cues — sound, touch, proprioception,…

Spatial Presence(also: Sense of Presence)

Spatial presence is the subjective experience of feeling physically located within a virtual or mediated environment — the sensation of "being there" rather than merely observing content on a screen. It is a key measure of immersive technology effectiveness, assessed through…

Spatial Reasoning

The cognitive process of understanding where objects are, how they are oriented, and how they relate to each other in three-dimensional space. Spatial reasoning is central to tasks like assembling products, navigating environments, reading diagrams, and manipulating tools. Blind…

Spatial Reference (ASL)(also: Spatial Reference Point, Locus, ASL Spatial Reference)

In American Sign Language and other signed languages, the use of points in the signing space in front of the signer as invisible placeholders for entities under discussion — people, objects, or concepts. A signer may point to, sign near, or direct eye gaze toward a particular…

Spatial Representation(also: Spatial Mental Model)

A cognitive structure that encodes information about the layout, distances, and relationships between locations in an environment. For blind and partially sighted people, spatial representations are built from non-visual sensory information including tactile exploration,…

Spatial Scene Reading(also: Direct Touch Scene Reading)

A mode of scene reading interaction where users continuously drag their finger across a touchscreen to freely explore a virtual environment, with objects identified and announced as the finger passes over them. Spatial scene reading preserves the spatial relationship between…

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…

Spatial cognition(also: Spatial awareness, Cognitive mapping)

The mental processes involved in perceiving, storing, recalling, and using information about spatial environments — including the locations of objects, distances between them, routes through spaces, and the overall geometry of an area. Spatial cognition enables people to build…

Spatial sensitivity(also: Personal space sensitivity, Proxemic sensitivity)

Heightened awareness of and discomfort with the physical proximity of others or objects, particularly common among autistic individuals and people with anxiety or PTSD. Spatial sensitivity involves strong reactions to violations of personal space boundaries, which can extend to…

Spatial substrate

A framework describing the orientation and positioning of information within a design space, using axes and a coordinate system appropriate to how a user perceives content in that space. In the visual design space, a spatial substrate is typically a two-dimensional plane (a…

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…