The terminology used when discussing disability-related issues may be unfamiliar or confusing. The following list, while by no means comprehensive, is provided to assist you in understanding new terms and ideas.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - U - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
acquired brain injury
Sometimes called a head injury, is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth—not a congenital injury or an injury at the time of birth. Causes could include a car accident, a gunshot wound, or a fall. An acquired brain injury may result in cognitive, speech-language, memory, physical, or behavioral disabilities.
acute
Severe and of short duration; used to describe a condition that is brief, severe, and quickly comes to a crisis. The opposite of chronic.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Provides civil rights protection to people with disabilities and guarantees those covered by the law equal opportunity in employment, state and local government services, transportation, places of public accommodation, and telecommunications services.
ADL
Activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, cooking, etc.
adaptive behavior
An individual’s ability to act appropriately in social situations and to take care of their personal needs.
advocate
Someone who takes action to help someone else; also, to take action on someone's behalf (see also self-advocacy).
alternative formats
Having alternative formats available to people with disabilities ensures that information is accessible. Examples include text files on a computer disk, large print, written materials recorded on audiotape, and Braille.
anoxia
A lack of oxygen to tissues, which, if prolonged, can cause cell damage or death.
anxiety
Apprehension, tension, or uneasiness from anticipation of danger, the source of which is largely unknown or unrecognized (in distinction to fear, which is the emotional response to a consciously recognized and usually external threat or danger). May be regarded as pathologic when it interferes with effectiveness in living, achievement of desired goals or satisfaction, or reasonable emotional comfort.
articulation problem
A person has an articulation problem when he or she produces sounds, syllables, or words incorrectly so that listeners do not understand what is being said or pay more attention to the way the words sound than to what they mean.
assistive technology device
Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.
assistive technology service
Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Services include evaluation of need, selection, purchase, coordination of related services, and training.
asthma
A chronic lung disease that causes breathing problems called attacks or episodes of asthma. Usually symptoms get started or “triggered” by something that irritates the lungs. These things are called asthma triggers; triggers can range from viruses (such as colds) to allergies, to gases and particles in the air.
astigmatism
Blurred vision caused by uneven curvature of lens or cornea.
ataxic
A lack of coordination while performing voluntary movements. Movements are not smooth and may appear disjointed or jerky. Ataxia may affect any part of the body.
attention deficit disorder & attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), is a neurobiological condition characterized by a lack of concentration, impulsiveness, and sometimes hyperactivity. The symptoms vary in intensity depending on the individual. Children with ADD often have problems at school because they are required to sit still and pay attention for long periods of time—two activities with which they may have difficulty. Many adults have learned special strategies to cope with ADD.
audiogram
The written results in a graph form of a hearing test.
audiologist
A specialist that tests and remediates hearing problems.
auditory discrimination
The ability to detect differences in sounds.
augmentative communication
Special devices that provide an alternative for spoken language.
barriers
Obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society:
• attitudinal barriers
Attitudes, fears and assumptions that prevent people with and without disabilities from meaningfully interacting with one another.
• physical barriers
Physical obstacles that hinder people with physical disabilities from gaining access.
barrier-free design
An approach to design that aims for buildings, transportation systems, and outdoor environments that people with disabilities can access and use independently and safely
(see universal design).
birth defect
See congenital disability (birth defect is not the preferred term).
blindness
A disability that affects a person’s eyesight. Eighty percent of blind people have some vision. See also: legally blind and low vision.
Braille
Braille is a series of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or whose eyesight is not sufficient for reading printed material. Teachers, parents, and others who are not visually impaired ordinarily read Braille with their eyes. Braille is not a language but a code by which languages such as English or Spanish may be written and read.
cataract
A clouding of all or part of the normally clear lens within your eye, which results in blurred or distorted vision.
central nervous system
The nerves that travel along the spinal cord to and from the brain.
cerebral palsy
A variety of conditions resulting from damage to the brain before or during birth or in the first few years of life. Extent of motor involvement varies greatly, from a sight limp or as profound as paralysis, spasticity, or speech problems.
There are four main types:
Ataxic – voluntary movements are jerky; balance is lost.
Athetoid – continual muscle movements prevent or severely interfere with voluntary movements.
Hypotonic – muscles are limp, cannot contract.
Spastic – muscles are stiff; some body parts are paralyzed.
chronic
A chronic condition is continuous or persistent over an extended period of time, not easily or quickly resolved. The opposite of acute.
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
An emerging condition characterized by debilitating fatigue (experienced as exhaustion and extremely poor stamina), neurological problems, and a variety of flu-like symptoms. It is also known as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis. The core symptoms include excessive fatigue that is not relieved by rest, general pain, mental fogginess, and often gastrointestinal problems. Many other symptoms may also be present but will typically be different among individuals. These include: fatigue following stressful activities, headaches, sore throat, sleep disorders, and abnormal temperature. The degree of severity can differ widely among individuals, and will also vary over time for the same person. This variation, in addition to the fact that its cause is not yet known, makes this syndrome difficult to diagnose.
cleft palate
A gap in the roof of the mouth; a congenital split along the midline of the roof of the mouth. It is caused by a failure of the two sides of the hard palate to meet and fuse during fetal development and is often associated with a cleft lip.
cognitive
Refers to the mental processes of comprehension, judgment, memory, and reasoning.
cognitive disability
Also called intellectual disability, indicates below-typical cognitive abilities. Signs of intellectual disability are failure to meet developmental milestones, decreased learning ability, persistent infantile behavior, lack of curiosity, and difficulty performing at school. There are all kinds of potential causes, such as infection (meningitis, congenital rubella), trauma (brain injury), chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome), inherited conditions (Tay-Sachs, Rett syndrome), toxins (lead poisoning), metabolic disease (Reye’s syndrome), even malnutrition or poor social environment. However, a cause is identified in only a quarter of people with intellectual disability. This disability is sometimes referred to as mental retardation (not a preferred term), mental disability, or developmental disability.
compulsion
Repetitive ritualistic behavior such as hand washing, organizing and reorganizing, or repeating words silently that aims to prevent or reduce distress or prevent some dreaded event or situation. The person feels driven to perform such actions in response to an obsession, even though the behaviors are recognized to be excessive or unreasonable.
conductive hearing loss
A temporary or permanent hearing loss that occurs when something interferes with the passage of sound to the inner ear.
congenital disability
A condition that is present at birth.
consumer
A term sometimes used for people with disabilities instead of patient or client to suggest their entitlement to an active role and quality service.
criterion referenced test
When a criterion references test is used, the person being tested is evaluated according to their own performance, not in comparison to others.
deaf/blindness
The combination of vision and hearing disabilities (i.e. some mix of blindness, deafness, low vision and/or hearing loss). It is sometimes called dual sensory impairment. Most people who are deaf/blind have some useful vision and/or hearing.
deafness and hearing loss
A condition that affects a person’s ability to hear. Deafness is a severe to profound hearing disability, with little or no residual hearing. Many deaf people communicate using sign language. People with hearing loss, often called hard of hearing, generally use their residual hearing and speech to communicate. Many people with hearing loss can understand some speech sounds with or without a hearing aid. Deafness can be the result of genetics, an accident, environmental factors, or an illness. Many people who are deaf do not consider themselves to be disabled.
depression
A mental health condition that may be characterized by sadness, fatigue, anorexia, lack of emotional expression, indifferent attitude, and social withdrawal. Common types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.
developmental disability
Defined in law as a “severe and chronic disability” which is attributed to a mental or physical impairment or combination; is manifested before age 22; and results in substantial functional limitation in at least three major life activities.
developmentally delayed
A child who acquires skills after the expected age.
diabetes
A disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
• Type 1—also known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is a condition in which a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections daily and test their blood sugar several times each day.
• Type 2—the most common form of diabetes, type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to make enough or properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is generally controlled though diet, exercise, and weight-loss.
disability
The definition of disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act refers to any physical and/or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities (including, but not limited to walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and caring for oneself), a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. But be aware that there is no list of physical or mental conditions that “qualify” a person as being disabled under the law.
disability rights movement
The collective effort to secure equal rights, equal opportunities, and a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities.
Down's syndrome
A person born with chromosomal differences that often results in developmental disabilities.
dwarfism
Having short stature means being significantly below average in height (i.e. in the fifth percentile) compared to others of the same age and gender. It can be caused by a range of conditions such as achondroplasia (also known as dwarfism, although this is not a preferred term), osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), Noonan syndrome, and congenital hypothyroidism. However, short stature is not always caused by a medical condition—sometimes it is simply a person’s inherited height. People of short stature may benefit from adaptations to their home and workplace, such as lowered light switches and strategically placed stools.
dyscalculia
A learning disability in which a child is unable to do math problems.
dysfluency
A break in the smooth flow of speech.
dysgraphia
A learning disability that impairs a person’s ability to write.
dyslexia
Inability or difficulty in reading, including word-blindness and a tendency to reverse letters and words in reading and writing.
echolalia
The immediate and sometimes pathological repetition of the words of others, often found in autistic children. In delayed echolalia, this inappropriate echoing takes place hours or weeks later.
electroencephalogram (EEG)
A graphic recording of electrical activity of the brain, recorded from electrodes placed on the surface of the scalp.
environmental sensitivity
Also called environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity, is a chronic condition aggravated by exposure to chemicals in the environment, even at low levels that do not bother most people. These chemicals can include auto exhaust, perfumes, tobacco, detergents, and other cleaning products. The chemicals might be in the air, water or food, and can be breathed, ingested, or touched. Reactions range from mildly annoying to life-threatening. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, mental confusion, short-term memory loss, breathing problems, persistent flu-like symptoms, joint pains, muscle aches, depression, and fatigue.
epilepsy
See seizure disorder.
equilibrium
Balance.
etiology
The cause of a condition or the study of the causes.
facial difference
Facial difference is any facial feature that varies significantly from the "norm." It can be present at birth (cleft lip/palate) or the result of illness or trauma that affects the face (third-degree burns). Support networks can be of great benefit to people with facial differences, who may struggle with self-esteem issues in a society that places great value on how we look.
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
FAS consists of a set of physical, mental, and neurobehavioral birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Individuals with FAS have a distinct pattern of facial differences, growth deficiency, and evidence of central nervous system dysfunction. In addition to mental retardation, individuals with FAS may have other neurological deficits such as poor motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They may also have a complex pattern of behavioral and learning problems, including difficulties with memory, attention, and judgment.
fine motor skills
Hand and finger small muscle movement.
grand mal seizure
A seizure involving the entire body, usually characterized by muscle rigidity, violent rhythmic muscle contractions, and loss of consciousness, caused by abnormal electrical activity in the nerve cells of the brain.
gross motor
Coordinated movements of all body parts.
handicap
The loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the life of the community on an equal level with others. It describes the encounter between the person with a disability and the environment. The purpose of this term is to emphasize the focus on the shortcomings in the environment and in many organized activities in society, for example, information, communication and education, which prevent persons with disabilities from participating on equal terms. See also disability.
head injury
See acquired brain injury.
hearing loss
People with hearing loss, often called hard of hearing, have some residual hearing as opposed to being severely or profoundly deaf. People with hearing loss can understand some speech sounds with or without a hearing aid, use their residual hearing and speech to communicate. Their hearing loss can be the result of genetics, an accident, environmental factors, or illness.
hemiparesis
Weakness on one side of the body.
hemiplegia
Full or partial paralysis on one side of the body caused by damage to the brain due to disease, trauma, or stroke.
hidden disability
Most disabilities are not visible. Hidden disabilities include mental and cognitive disabilities; some hearing and visual impairments; alcoholism and addiction; epilepsy; diabetes; and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Also referred to as an “invisible disability.”
hyperactivity
Excessive motor activity or restlessness.
hyperopia
Farsightedness—difficulty seeing near objects.
inclusion
The practice of acting on the belief that every person has an inherent right to participate fully in society. The goal of inclusion is for all people to lead productive lives as full, participating members of their communities. The presence of people with disabilities does not constitute inclusion unless people with disabilities are valued, contributing members with a sense of belonging.
independent living movement
Advocacy movement that views the person with a disability as an active consumer of services and advocates for personal independence; barrier removal; equal rights and opportunities; and consumer choice and control.
institutional segregation/institutionalization
Until very recently many people with disabilities were removed from communities and put into institutions where they were denied self-determination and access to the opportunities of independent living, education, and livelihood.
intellectual disability
See cognitive disability.
invisible disability
See hidden disability.
juvenile diabetes
See diabetes.
language disorders
Language and speech disorders refer to problems in communication and related areas such as oral-motor function. These delays and conditions range from simple sound substitutions to the inability to understand or use language or use the oral-motor mechanism for functional speech and feeding. Some causes of speech and language disorders include hearing loss, conditions affecting neurological function, brain injury, developmental disabilities, drug abuse, physical impairments such as cleft lip or palate, and vocal abuse or misuse. Frequently, however, the cause is unknown.
learning disability
Central nervous system dysfunction that interferes with the brain’s capacity to process information in the conventional manner. People with learning disabilities have a disorder in one or more of the basic processes involved in understanding or using spoken or written language. They may have difficulties in listening, thinking, talking, reading, writing, spelling, or arithmetic. The primary cause of the disorder is not due to visual, hearing, intellectual or physical disabilities, emotional disturbance, or environmental disadvantages. People with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence.
legally blind
A visual field which is not greater than 20 degrees or visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye after correction.
light perception
Ability to detect presence or absence of light.
light projection
Ability to tell where light is coming from.
low vision
People who have some useful vision, but who cannot achieve clear vision by wearing glasses or contact lenses, are considered to have low vision. Low vision generally means a person’s vision does not meet their needs.
Medicaid
A jointly-funded, federal/state health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people. It covers approximately 36 million individuals including children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled, and people who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments.
Medicare
Health insurance that covers some people with disabilities based on their work experience or the work experience of spouse or parent.
mental health disability
See psychiatric disability.
mental retardation
See cognitive disability (mental retardation is not a preferred term).
migraines and chronic headaches
Vascular headaches are a group of headaches thought to involve abnormal sensitivity of the blood vessels in the brain to various triggers, resulting in rapid changes in the artery size due to spasm. Other arteries in the brain and scalp then dilate and throbbing pain is perceived in the head. Migraines, which are thought to be inherited, are the most common type of vascular headache. Migraines can be accompanied by other sensory phenomena that indicate a brain dysfunction, such as flashing lights, blurred/double vision, balance problems, numbness, weakness, hearing problems, or difficulty speaking. Severe migraine headaches can be totally disabling, but once they pass they may have no impact on a person’s normal state of health. They can last from a few hours to several days.
mobility issues
When people have to negotiate physical barriers to get around within a place or between places. Usually people with mobility issues have physical disabilities.
multiple chemical sensitivity
See environmental sensitivity.
multiple sclerosis
Degeneration of the central nervous system due to a progressive deterioration of the protective sheath surrounding the nerves; may be chronic or acute.
myopia
Nearsightedness—blurred vision with distant objects harder to see than near objects.
muscular dystrophy
Genetic condition that causes a gradual weakening through degeneration of muscle tissue.
neonatal
Period between onset of labor and several months after birth.
non-disabled
A person without a disability (preferred to “normal”).
nystagmus
Involuntary jerking of the eyes.
obsessions
Uncontrollable, intrusive, and recurring thoughts, images, ideas, or impulses that an individual feels intrude upon his or her consciousness, and that cause significant anxiety or distress because of the irrational nature of the obsessions.
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
A neurobiological disability, classified as an anxiety disorder. It causes recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that provoke anxiety or discomfort. The person may perform ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) to neutralize the discomfort, although the relief is only temporary. The person realizes that the obsessions are a product of his or her own mind and that the compulsions are unreasonable. Until OCD becomes moderate to severe, the compulsions are often done secretively or are well disguised. Generally, the person feels that he or she is going crazy and fears telling others about it. OCD can be associated with other disabilities such as Tourettes syndrome, Attention Deficit disorder, panic disorder, learning disabilities, and schizophrenia.
occupational injury or disease
Occupational injury and occupational disease are health problems brought on by conditions in the workplace. There are a wide variety of injuries and diseases experienced by workers from many different occupational fields. Examples include: traumatic injuries such as an accident with heavy or motorized equipment that results in amputation, spinal cord injury; or back pain; hearing loss caused by working with noisy machinery; and asthma brought on by exposure to airborne pollutants such as grain dust or animal proteins.
occupational therapy
A type of therapy that uses goal-directed activities—appropriate to each person's age and social role—to restore, develop, or maintain the ability for independent, satisfying living. An occupational therapist helps an individual with learning or re-leaning developmental or physical skills that will aid in daily living; it focuses on sensory integration, coordination of movement, fine motor, and self-help skills.
ophthalmologist
A medical doctor that deals with diseases and conditions of the eye.
optometrist
Examines eyes and prescribes corrective lenses.
orientation and mobility specialist
A certified instructor specializing in teaching the visually impaired to travel safely and efficiently.
otolaryngologist
An ear, nose and throat doctor.
panic attack
Short, intense periods during which an individual experiences physiological and cognitive symptoms of anxiety, characterized by intense fear or discomfort.
paralysis
Complete or partial loss of feeling or movement.
paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower half of the body involving the partial or total loss of function of both legs.
paratransit
The “comparable service for people with disabilities who cannot use the regular service” that public entities that operate fixed-route services are required to provide. Whether or not the services provided are comparable determines whether paratransit is considered an effective accommodation or another barrier.
personal assistance services (PAS)
Consumer-directed basic ancillary services which enable a person with a physical, mental, or sensory disability to live in their home and community and carry out functions of daily living, self-care, and mobility.
petit mal seizures
A type of seizure involving a momentary alteration in consciousness, more frequent in children than adults.
phobia
An unrealistic but very severe fear of any object or environment; for example, claustrophobia (a fear of enclosed spaces).
physical therapy
Treatment of physical injuries or disabilities given by a trained physical therapist (under doctor's orders) that includes the use of massage, exercise, etc. to help the person improve the use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves.
prosthesis
Artificial device that replaces a missing body part.
psychiatric disability
Mental health disability, also called psychiatric disability or mental illness, covers a broad range of disorders. It is generally considered a disability when it interferes with someone’s ability to cope or function on a day-to-day basis, or causes behavior that becomes a concern for others. However, many people find ways of managing their mental health disabilities and are able to lead fulfilling and active lives. A mental health disability can be organic (resulting directly from an identifiable brain malfunction) or functional (not explained by a simple structural abnormality of the brain). It can be a neurosis (e.g. one of various forms of anxiety and depression that can be regarded as severe forms of normal experiences), a psychosis (involving distortion of a person’s perception of reality, often accompanied by delusions and/or hallucinations), or a personality disorder, or there can be some overlap across these types (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder).
quadriplegia
Paralysis of the body involving partial or total loss of function in both arms and both legs.
range of motion
The structure of a joint allows it to make certain movements. These movements are called the range of motion and are limited by the structure of the joint. These movements do not include overextending or stressing the joint.
receptive language
The understanding of spoken and written communication, as well as gestures.
scleroderma
A chronic, autoimmune disease of the connective tissue generally classified as one of the rheumatic diseases; also known as systemic sclerosis. Scleroderma is a condition in which the symptoms may either be visible, as when the skin is affected, or invisible, as when only internal organs are involved. It is a highly individualized disease; involvement may range from mild symptoms to life threatening.
seizure disorder
A chronic medical condition produced by temporary changes in the electrical function of the brain, causing seizures which affect awareness, movement, or sensation. Also known as epilepsy.
self-advocacy
The movement within the disability community that emphasizes the right and responsibility of a person with a disability to speak up for themselves and others. By letting individuals tell others how they feel about issues that affect their lives, they can educate the public about persons with disabilities and how they can be included in all aspects of community life.
self-determination
While there is no national consensus on an exact definition of the term, the idea of self-determination generally rests on four core principles: 1) the freedom to develop a personal life plan, 2) the authority to control a targeted sum of resources, 3) the support to achieve personal goals, and 4) the responsibility for contributing to one's community and using public dollars wisely.
sensorineural hearing loss
A hearing impairment that is usually permanent results when the inner ear or nerves that carry the sound waves to the brain are damaged.
sign language
Sign languages are highly-developed visual-gestural-spatial communication methods. Examples include American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English.
spasticity
Having sudden, involuntary muscle spasms or tense, contracted muscles. Muscles are spastic, people are not.
speech disorders
See language disorders.
speech/language pathologist
A person qualified to diagnose and treat speech and language disorders.
spina bifida
Genetic condition in which a portion of an infant's spinal cord fails to develop completely or develops incorrectly.
spinal cord injury (SCI)
Damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Causes of damage include trauma (car accident, gunshot, falls, etc.), disease (polio), or genetic condition (spina bifida). The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact but the damage to it results in loss of functioning.
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Available to individuals have a work history (or are the child or widow of insured) and are no longer able to work due to disability.
Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
A nationwide federal assistance program administered by the Social Security Administration that guarantees a minimum level of income for adults and children with a disability who have no work history since childhood.
stuttering
Speech characterized by hesitations, prolongations, and repetitions which are developmentally inappropriate for the age or mental ability of the speaker.
strabismus
More commonly known as crossed-eyes, strabismus is a vision condition in which a person can not align both eyes simultaneously under normal conditions. One or both of the eyes may turn in, out, up, or down.
tremor
Consistent and uncontrolled movements.
total communication
Communication method that uses a combination of speech and sign language.
universal design
Extends the idea of barrier-free design to cover the needs of all members of society, including children and seniors.
visual discrimination
Ability to detect differences in objects, forms, letters, or words.
visual memory
The ability to remember visual stimuli by significant features on a short- and long-term basis.
work incentives program
Includes a variety of Social Security programs for people who are receiving disability benefits and want to enter the work force without immediately losing all their financial security. For more information see Chapter 7 or contact the Social Security Administration.
|
Glossary 
