Glossary of Terms Module 1

GLOSSARY OF TERMS	DEFINITIONS	EXAMPLES
Activity	The portion of the HAAT model that defines the goal of the assistive technology system.	The activities an individual performs are determined by that person’s life role(s)
Alpha Testing	Evaluation of a production prototype; in assistive technologies it is often one or two units.	Alpha testing is a type of acceptance testing; performed to identify all possible issues/bugs before releasing the product to everyday users or public.
Assistive Technology	Assistive technology is any device that helps a person with a disability complete an everyday task.	If you break your leg, a remote control for the TV can be assistive technology. If someone has poor eyesight, a pair of glasses or a magnifier is assistive technology.
Practitioner (ATP)	A specialist in assistive technology application.	Typically has a professional background in engineering, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation therapy, special education, speech-language pathology, or vocational rehabilitation counseling.
Assistive Technology Service	Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.	Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs
Assistive Technology Supplier	One who provides enabling technology in the areas of wheeled mobility, seating and alternative positioning, ambulation assistance, environmental control, and activities of daily living.	Power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers, and standing devices.
Beta Testing	Evaluation of a set of prototypes that form an initial production run.	Beta testing is the last stage of testing, and normally can involve sending the product to beta test sites outside the company for real-world exposure or offering the product for a free trial download over the Internet.

Consumer of Assistive Technologies	The end user of the assistive technology system.	Devices range from low-tech devices such as Braille watches or magnifiers to high-tech devices such as large print computer screens or computer systems with speech output.
Device	A piece of hardware or software used by an individual to accomplish task.	Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Direct Consumer Services	Assistive technology services provide to consumer.	The Office for the Blind Assistive Technology Services support individuals who are blind and visually impaired in the selection, training and use of adaptive devices.
Participation	A framework for the identification of potential barriers to educational access, especially those that can be addressed through the application of assistive technology.	Technology has a direct impact on the lives of all individuals, but for individuals who are blind and visually impaired the effect is life changing. Office for the Blind believes in providing individuals with the tools and devices and instruction needed in order for them to achieve their independent living, educational and vocational goals.
Prototype	The initial new device that is produced as the product of engineering development.	Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices.
Quality Assurance	Involves a program of evaluation of the quality of services rendered and the effectiveness of the devices supplied.	An assessment of the needs of the individual and may include a functional evaluation of the individual in a home, work or educational environment.
Reasonable Accommodation	Is an adjustment made in a system to accommodate or make fair the same system for an individual based on a proven need. Accommodations can be religious, academic, or employment related and are often mandated by law. Each country has its own system of reasonable accommodations.	Reasonable Accommodation means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; In Quebec, under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the question on what was and will be the national identity has been contested, such as the court decision in Multani v. Commission scolaire Marguerite‑Bourgeoys
Tele-rehabilitation	The use of telecommunications technologies to capture and transmit visual and audio information, biomedical data and consumer information.	Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices.

Trans-disciplinary Team Approach	The design of products and environments to be usable by all people by all people, to the	Training or technical assistance for professionals to employ, or improve the major life functions of an individual.
Universal Design	The design of products and environments to be usable by all people by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.	Universal Design makes things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone. Universal Design involves designing products and spaces so that they can be used by the widest range of people possible. Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, a design process that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. Universal Design goes further by recognizing that there is a wide spectrum of human abilities. Everyone, even the most able-bodied person, passes through childhood, periods of temporary illness, injury and old age. By designing for this human diversity, we can create things that will be easier for all people to use.