Alternative
Keyboard - A hardware device that replaces
or works in addition to the standard keyboard.
Assistive Technology
(Adaptive) - commonly refers to "...products, devices
or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified
or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or
improve the functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities..."
Augmentative Communication
Device (Aug Com Device/Dedicated Communicator)
- A hardware device that provides speech output for
nonverbal users. It is often portable and allows input
from a variety of methods.
Braille - A system
of writing for the blind that uses characters made of
raised dots.
Braille Software -
Software that translates from English to Braille, Braille
to English, or functions as a Braille training program.
Braille Input - A
hardware device that allows input to the computer via
a Braille style keyboard or specific keys on a standard
keyboard that function in Braille patterns.
Braille Output - A
hardware device that produces hard copy Braille or paperless,
refreshable Braille as output from the computer.
Communication Software -
Software that provides expressive communication capability,
either oral, written or manual.
Dwell Software - Software
that automatically activates a mouse click after resting
the cursor over an icon or area of the screen for a
preset amount of time.
Early Childhood Software
(Early Learning) - Software that develops primal cognitive
or motor skills.
Environmental Control Unit
(ECU) - A hardware device that allows programmed or
spontaneous control over remote, electricity-operated
appliances.
Head Tracking Mouse
- A hardware device that emulates the mouse with the
movement of the users head.
Input Device - Any
device that enters information into the computer by
an operator or another device.
Keyboard Emulator
- A hardware device that connects to the computer and
allows input from a source other than the standard keyboard.
Keyguard - A hardware
device that covers a standard or alternative keyboard
and provides direction for a finger.
Mouse Emulator - Software
that imitates and takes the place of a mouse.
Mouse Keys - Software
that transforms the traditional numeric keypad into
a directional mouse.
On Screen Keyboard -
Software that allows a user to use a mouse, touch screen
or switch to enter all the characters and functions
of a keyboard.
Optical Character Recognition
(OCR) - A hardware and software combination that uses
a scanner to scan text into a computer then the software
translates it to text to be read aloud and/or magnified.
Refreshable Braille Display
- A hardware device that converts onscreen text from
a computer into tactile Braille code.
Scanning Software
- Software that automatically steps through allowable
responses that users select by single switch or multi
switch activation.
Screen Magnifier -
Software that magnifies or enlarges the computer screen.
Screen Reader - Software
that translates what is on a computer screen into synthesized
speech or refreshable Braille. It reads text with in
documents, dialog boxes, menu selections and icons.
Sticky Keys - Software
or firmware feature that allows a user to press a key,
release it, then press another key(s) without having
to press and hold all the keys simultaneously.
Switch - A hardware
device that allows a user with little motor control
operate a computer or other electrical device.
Switch Interface-Hardware
that allows the connection of one or more switches to
a computer.
Text Reader - Software
that reads text as it is keyboarded and reads aloud
text with in documents.
Touch Window - A hardware
device that is mounted onto a computer monitor and allows
a user to make selections, move objects and pull down
menus with the touch of a finger.
Voice Recognition -
Software that allows the user speak or dictate directly
to the computer. |
