Glossary

Software and technological devices that promote access across a range of user profiles. "Access technology" includes specialized software and devices once referred to as "assistive technology" as well as solutions for universal access available to all users.

Software or online services that help you determine if web content meets accessibility guidelines.

Elements integrated with the content management system interface to assist in developing accessible content. For example, a section to add alternative text for images.

An interface that is displayed on a website that claims to be able to alter the website content to be more accessible based on a person's selections. For example, the interface can alter the website to have larger text if someone is having a hard time reading the default size.

In this context, to meet accessibility standards a website must pass all of the requirements outlined in the 2.0 AA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Alternative Text is a short sentence used to describe an image that can be read by a screen reader or is displayed when the image can not be shown.

AAC describes the communication strategies and techniques used to supplement (augment) or replace (provide an alternative to) the usual methods of speech and/or writing for individuals who have (impairments in speech-language production) wherein they have little or no functional speech due to a physical and/or intellectual disability.

AAC falls under the broader umbrella of assistive technology, or the use of any equipment, tool, or strategy to improve functional daily living in individuals with disabilities or limitations.

AAC describes the communication strategies and techniques used to supplement (augment) or replace (provide an alternative to) the usual methods of speech and/or writing for individuals who have (impairments in speech-language production) wherein they have little or no functional speech due to a physical and/or intellectual disability.

AAC falls under the broader umbrella of assistive technology, or the use of any equipment, tool, or strategy to improve functional daily living in individuals with disabilities or limitations.

Behaviors that are not required by citizens, but could lead to better functioning of society.

The luminance contrast between the lightest and darkest colour is measured in a ratio. The higher the ratio, the easier the text will be to read.

Software developed to help manage the development and management of digital content. Often used to build websites, especially if someone does not have web design or development skills.

English as a second language

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K-12 refers to the primary and secondary education systems represented by grade levels starting in kindergarten and concluding in grade 12, or twelfth grade.

A duty or responsibility.

The goal of plain language is to be easy to read, understand, and use. It avoids complicated language, euphemisms, and jargon.

Positive knowledge is based on natural phenomena and their properties and relations that can be verified by empirical sciences

The term for making a website visible to everyone instead of hidden as a draft during the development stage.

Methods that focus on gathering numerical or statistical data through surveys, questionnaires, or polls.

An approach to research that involves creative and academic research activities.

Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is an integrated system of software products provided by SAS Institute Inc., which enables programmers to perform: Information retrieval and data management. Statistical analysis, econometrics and data mining. Business planning, forecasting, and decision support.

A popular content management system platform. Known for having a simple interface and well-designed templates.

STEM is an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

A base website with placeholder content and design styles that a person can use instead of starting a website from scratch.

A framework to optimize teaching and learning for all students based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression are provided in classroom programs to maximize meaningful engagement and learning.

Internationally recognized standards for what web content needs to be made accessible with specifications on how to do so. There are several iterations and levels of these guidelines but the most commonly used one is currently 2.0 AA.

The most popular website building platform worldwide with a market share of 40% of all websites.