Glossary of Terms
1. American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language with unique vocabulary, grammar, syntax and social rules of use.Meaning is conveyed through signs that are composed of specific hand shapes, palm orientation, movement and location of the hands and signals on the face and body. Most people who are Deaf in Newfoundland and Labrador use ASL.
2. Assistive Technology is also known as assistive devices, or in the case of computer-related software and devices, it is known as adaptive technology. Assistive technology makes environments more accessible by decreasing barriers. Assistive technology includes a range of devices, equipment and software such as mobility devices like wheelchairs, magnifying devices, visual alarms, hearing aids and speech software.
3. Built Environment includes all person-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity such as buildings and facilities, playgrounds, sidewalks and boardwalks.
4. Clear Language refers to a set of principles that focuses on the needs of the reader. It presents information in a logical order using familiar, everyday words and expressions. It avoids jargon and uses a minimum of technical language.Clear language principles cover sentence length, sentence structure and the use of headings, fonts and white space.
5. Consumer is a person who self-identifies as having a disability.
6. Consumer Control means that more than half of the people in charge have a disability.
7. Cross-Disability means including people with any and all types of disabilities and that the various perspective and needs related to various disabilities are considered.
8. Disability-Related Supports are any and all supports that meet disability-related needs and enable people to live independently with dignity and choice.
9. First-Stop Access means that anyone who is looking for services is quickly directed to the right person for providing accurate and timely information. An important feature of First-Stop Access is the principle that everyone receives the information they are looking for no matter who they reach first.There are multiple ways to reach a First-Stop Access service, including phone, TTY (teletypewriter), email or in person.
10. Screen Reader refers to software that reads out loud what is on the computer monitor. For example, JAWS is a screen reader widely used by people who are blind and Kurzweil issued primarily by people with learning disabilities.
11. Service Providers are people or organizations that provide services to other people. This includes Provincial Government employees, some community organizations, teachers, health care professionals and recreational program staff and volunteers.
12. Supported Decision-Making is when individuals get help with making decisions and legal matters (e.g. opening a bank account or signing a lease agreement) from people who know them well. The level of assistance is dependent on the individual’s ability to understand choices and communicate his/her wishes.
13. Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible,without adaptation or specialized design. Universal design principles can be applied to any product, environment or communications, such as web pages and education curricula.Universal Design Principles include:
- Equitable Use: the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse disabilities.
- Flexibility in Use: the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level.
- Perceptible Information: the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
- Tolerance for Error: the design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
14. Visibility is when homes are designed with a basic level of accessibility so everyone can come into the home and have access to the washroom. This enables home owners (and tenants) to invite visits from family members, friends and neighbours who use mobility devices.