ImPaCT in Europe
Improving Person Centred Technology in Europe
Glossary of Technical Terms
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects
the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may
be made of the information contained therein.
With the cooperation of:

European Association
www.easpd.eu

AIAS Bologna onlus, www.ausilioteca.org, www.aiasbo.it

CECD Mira Sintra, www.cecdmirasintra.org

Centre de la Gabrielle - Mutualité Fonction Publique action santé social (MFPASS),
www.centredelagabrielle.fr

FAIDD, www.kehitysvammaliitto.fi

Hft, www.hft.org.uk

Learning Disability Wales, www.learningdisabilitywales.org.uk

Modem Vzw Governeur Kinsbergencentrum, www.modemadvies.be

Nottingham Community Housing Association, www.ncha.org.uk
of
Service
providers
for
Persons
with
Disabilities,
Introduction:
ImPaCT in Europe – Improving Person Centred Technology in Europe
The Project ImPaCT in Europe – Improving Person Centred Technology in Europe is a
networking project in the field of ICT co-financed by the European Commission Executive
Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture in the framework of the Lifelong Learning
Programme. The project has started on 1st January 2009 and will last for 36 months.
The objective of the ImPaCT in Europe network is to “accelerate the effective participation
of target groups at risk of exclusion and improving their quality of life” as outlined in the
European i2010 initiative on e-Inclusion by stimulating the effective use of ICT-enabled
services and providing competence building opportunities for the end users of Person
Centred Technology (PCT) via education and training services.
The overall aim of the ImPaCT partnership is to facilitate the development and
implementation of Person Centred Technology for the benefit of key stakeholders within
the health and social care sectors in Europe, namely service providers, care staff and most
importantly end users. All of the activities of the network will involve and empower the
end user of the technology to evaluate its effect on their daily lives.
About this Glossary
The purpose of this glossary is to assist in promoting a better understanding of Person
Centred Technology by introducing and explaining the most commonly used terminology
used in this field.
In some countries, it appears that assistive technology is not a widely-used term. This
glossary aims to break down the barriers that may be presented by the terms and language
used, while providing examples of the rehabilitative, integrative, autonomy and
independence benefits that can be met by technologies.
The glossary is not intended to be an exhaustive list of technologies, but to help in the
further understanding of the possible uses of Person Centred Technology and the impact it
can have on the lives of disabled people.
How to use this glossary?
We have split terms into 3 main categories which are split into thematic sub-categories, to
facilitate usage and understanding. Most of the terms in this glossary are identified by an
acronym (DFA, C, D, etc.) that links them to the sub-section they belong to.
E.g.: Barrier-free design is a term you will find in the “Policy / Policy objectives” section.
This term is linked to the sub-category “Design for all”.
Therefore you will read: “Accessibility > DFA”
The 3 main categories are:
1. Policy / Policy objectives
2. Technology based solutions
3. Services
Sub-categories:







Design for all - see definition - referenced as DFA
Communication - see definition - referenced as COM
Domotics - see definition - referenced as DOM
Health - see definition - referenced as HEA
Inclusion - see definition - referenced as INC
Information and Communication Technologies - see definition- referenced as ICT
Input Device - see definition- referenced as IND
1. Policy / Policy objectives
Accessibility
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stresses the importance of
Accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health and
education and to information and communication, to enable persons with disabilities to
fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. 1
In a technological environment it refers to the accessibility of a computer system or
hardware/software devices to all people, regardless of disability (physical, sensorial,
cognitive) or severity of impairment. It is largely a software concern2. It is now a legal
requirement under disability discrimination legislation in many European countries. For an
overview of accessibility in European countries, please refer to the MEAC report and its
annex3.
Ageing
The ageing process is characterised by the acquisition of progressive multiple minor
impairments predominantly related to sight, hearing, dexterity, mobility and cognition. In
combination these can lead to high levels of disability and dependence4.
Barrier-free Design - DFA
The original focus of disability campaigners and architects was on barrier-free access to
buildings and public environments - kerb cuts, textured paving, ramped entry, wider
doorways, corridors and accessible toilets - all denoted by a wheelchair symbol.
Communication - COM
This term encompasses every device or service that can be used to communicate with
others or to access information by means of adapted devices or services.
Design for All - DFA
EU term equivalent to universal design, but with an emphasis on information. The current
goal is the establishment of national centres of excellence in design for all education and
dissemination across Europe. Design for All is design that facilitates access to products and
environments for the largest range of people, through design focused on user needs.
Design for All aims to enable all people to have equal opportunities to participate in every
aspect of society. To achieve this, the built environment, everyday objects, services,
1
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Preamble, paragraph (v). See also art. 9 on
accessibility
2
en.wikipedia.org
3
Main report :
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/einclusion/docs/meac_study/meac_report_06_11
_final.pdf
Annex :
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/einclusion/docs/meac_study/meac_policy_inven
tory_06_11_07.pdf
4
http://www.education.edean.org/index.php?filters=f37
culture and information – in short, everything that is designed and made by people to be
used by people – must be accessible, convenient for everyone in society to use and
responsive to evolving human diversity.
The practice of Design for All makes conscious use of the analysis of human needs and
aspirations and requires the involvement of end users at every stage in the design process. 5
Disability
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes that “disability is
an evolving concept, and that disability results from the interaction between persons with
impairments and attitudinal or environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective
participation in society on an equal basis with others.” 6
Discrimination on the grounds of disability
Unequal treatment of an individual, due to his/her disability. Failure to provide adequate
working conditions or reasonable accommodation may also be considered as discrimination.
“Discrimination on the basis of disability” means any distinction, exclusion or restriction on
the basis of disability which has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the
recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights and
fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. It
includes all forms of discrimination, including denial of reasonable accommodation.” 7
E-Inclusion
A term used by the European Commission and other EU institutions to describe its policy
priority to ensure that social inclusion for all EU citizens is furthered by the appropriate use
of electronic communication methods.
Ethics
The shared set of moral values that guide the way we behave and practice.
Ethical framework
A document that can be usable for all the project partners in all their working areas and for
all types of disabilities they are working with. It must be usable in daily work when quick
decisions are to be made and which is also usable as a tool to assess whether the PCT is
implemented and used for the benefit of the user with disabilities 8.
Health condition or status - HEA
Term used by the World Health Organisation to group disease, congenital and other factors
previously dealt with in more strictly medical terms, that allows them to be seen as falling
within a continuum of health conditions, which all impact on life quality and capability 9.
Health - HEA
A state of well-being, achieved through the interaction of an individual’s physical, mental,
emotional, and social states10.
Impairment - HEA
Health conditions, ageing, and traumatic events can all result in impaired capability.
Whether this gives rise to disability is determined by social and environmental factors, and
importantly the design of environments, products, systems and services 11.
5
http://www.designforalleurope.org/Design-for-All/
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Preamble, paragraph (e).
7
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, article 2 paragraph 3.
8
From the ImPaCT ethical framework
9
http://www.education.edean.org/index.php?filters=f37
10
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2011/9789240685215_eng.pdf
11
http://www.education.edean.org/index.php?filters=f37
6
Inclusion
The process which ensures that those at risk of poverty and social exclusion have the
opportunities and resources necessary to participate in economic and social life, securing a
standard of living that is considered acceptable in the society in which they live 12.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) - HEA
The classification that provides a unified and standard language and framework for the
description of health and health-related states. ICF is part of the “family” of international
classifications developed by the World Health Organization13.
Medical Model of Disability - HEA
The medical model of disability and ageing implies that people are disabled as a
consequence of their own condition, and seeks to either remedy the impairment through
medication, rehabilitation and surgery, or through adaptive aids and equipment.
See also “Social model of Disability”
Personalisation
A term used in the social care field to describe the design and development of services that
are built around the express wishes and needs of the individual.
Reflective practice
Thinking about the candidate’s own performance, what went well and what could have
been improved and learning from this for future practice.
Social inclusion - INC
A Europe-wide political objective, aimed at combating social
marginalisation and conflict due to age, disability, poverty or ethnicity14.
discrimination,
Social Model of Disability - INC
In contrast to the medical model, the social model, which has superseded the medical
model, sees people as disabled or enabled by the social context in which they function and
proposes that changes in the social context or environment can remove or alleviate
disability.
See also “Medical model of Disability”
Training
Organized activity aimed at imparting information and/or instructions to improve the
recipient's performance or to help him/her attain a required level of knowledge or skill15.
Training needs analysis
The Training Needs Analysis (TNA) – also known as a gap needs analysis – identifies
performance gaps by isolating the difference between current and future performance. This
is achieved by collecting both qualitative and quantitative data for analysis 16.
Universal Design - DFA
“Universal design” means the design of products, environments, programmes and services
to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation
or specialized design. “Universal design” shall not exclude assistive devices for particular
groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed. 17
29
http://www.braidproject.eu/sites/default/files/BRAID%20Glossary_Final%20September%202010.pdf
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2011/9789240685215_eng.pdf
14
http://www.education.edean.org/index.php?filters=f37
15
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/training.html
16
http://www.trainingaustraliamagazine.com.au/articles/1_2.htm
17
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, article 2 paragraph 5.
13
2. Technology based solutions
Assistive Technology
There are different definitions of Assistive Technology:
AT is understood to be any product (including devices, equipment, instruments, technology
and software) specially produced or generally available, for preventing, compensating for,
monitoring, relieving or neutralizing impairments, activity limitations and participation
restrictions. Assistive Technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order
to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. AT can include
mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and
peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information
technologies.18
Any item, piece of technical equipment, or product system that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Increasing
technology helps the user to make optimum use of available techniques. All are behind
providing the best to their customers.
Understanding the outcomes of assistive technology (AT) requires consideration of the fact
that this intervention is inclusive of both a device and a service.
According to American Public Law 100-407, an AT device is “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”.
An AT-service is defined as “any service that directly assists an individual with a disability
in the selection, acquisition or use of an AT device” (PL 103-218, HR 351, Section 212)19
Adapted Technologies - DFA
Every modification of a device, service or programme that renders it usable for a person
with disability.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - COM
A set of approaches that is used to improve the communication skills of a person who does
not speak or whose speech is not intelligible.
Augmentative Communication
Approaches used to supplement, enhance or support the communication processes for
persons who have some speaking skills.
Alternative Communication
Approaches replace speech as a means of communication.20
Augmentative and Alternative Communication System - COM
"An integrated group of components, including the symbols, aids, strategies and techniques
used by individuals to enhance communication". As this definition states, communication
encompasses more than just spoken words; it includes gestures, eye gaze, touch, body
postures/movements, sign language, photographs, printed words, objects, pictoideographs,
18
Definition provided in ISO 9999:2007 “Assistive products for persons with disability --Classification
and terminology” 19,
19
From project ATOMS
20
http://www.asdk12.org/depts/AT/aac.asp
and Braille21. AAC devices can be low technologies such as picture / symbol boards or high
technologies such as electronic devices or computers using synthetic speech.
Ambient Intelligence - DFA
In computing, ambient intelligence (AmI) refers to electronic environments that are
sensitive and responsive to the presence of people. Ambient intelligence is a vision on the
future of consumer electronics, telecommunications and computing that was originally
developed in the late 1990s for the time frame 2010–2020. In an ambient intelligence
world, devices work in concert to support people in carrying out their everyday life
activities, tasks and rituals in an easy, natural way using information and intelligence that
is hidden in the network connecting these devices (see Internet of Things).22
Bliss symbol - COM
A complex, graphic symbol, bliss are mainly used for AAC. Integrated Pictographic Language
System for international communication, currently used by people with language-related
disabilities.
Close Circuit Television (CCTV) - DOM
It is a video magnification system consisting of a video screen interfaced with a video
camera. Video magnification is achieved in two ways – the electronic conversion from the
small camera imager to the larger display screen and the optical effect of the cameras
zoom lens. The CCTV system provides high contrast, inverse video display, grey scale, false
colours, natural colours, etc23.
Communication Board - COM
Communication boards are both augmentative and alternative communication devices. That
means that they are used to supplement or replace spoken language as a means of
communication.
Communication boards usually contain the letters of the alphabet, common words or
phrases and pictures of common items and/or actions. Individuals with limited or no verbal
communication skills simply point to the letters to spell words or to the pictures to express
an idea or desire. Sometimes communication boards are also known as symbol boards, word
boards or letter boards24.
Communication Boards can be built into communication software to a wider communication
system and be used in a computer.
Communication book - COM
Several Communication boards organized into a book.
Communication device - COM
Communication devices are what some disabled people use to communicate, if they can't
talk. There are ones that actually talk, like the one used by the scientist Stephen Hawking,
who has ALS. There are of course simpler ones that only speak a word or a sentence, when
the person touches a button or uses a motion of the head to indicate which one they want
to say.
Cellphones are also a communication device, of course. Any device used to communicate
can be called a communication device25.
Community Alarm Systems - DOM
These are systems to help vulnerable or disabled people stay in their own homes with the
security of knowing that they can call for help in an emergency, such as a fall, or feeling
21
22
23
24
25
http://www.asdk12.org/depts/AT/aac.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_intelligence
http://www.education.uiowa.edu/icater/AT_glossary.htm
http://www.speechdisorder.co.uk/communication-boards.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_communication_device
ill, at any time, even when the telephone is out of reach. Users call for assistance through
activating a pendant alarm button (worn on around the neck, wrist or waist) or by pulling a
pull cord. Alert calls are received by a monitoring centre (or warden/carer) who may
communicate with the person at home via a speech unit.
Digital speech - COM
Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs), the device or the computer software will read
the message put together with symbols out loud.
Electronic Assistive Technology
Electronic equipment which enables people with a wide range of impairments to improve
their functional abilities and enhance their independence by facilitating their inclusion in
society, communication, comfort and safety whilst at home, school, work or at leisure.
Environmental control devices - DOM
Any piece of equipment that helps people with disabilities to control their environment and
help them to achieve usual tasks and ensure their safety, i.e. door’s locker control, lamp,
television and alarm system.
Eye pointing - ICT
Eye pointing refers to a way of communicating where the person uses their eyes to look in
the direction of a particular item or symbol to indicate a choice.
Eye Tracking - IND
Eye-tracking systems serve as a replacement for common input devices such as mouse,
keyboard or remote control. Using such systems, users with complex physical disabilities
can operate computers and other connected devices simply by moving their eyes.
An eye-tracking system consists of a camera which continuously scans one of the user's eyes
and of software which analyses the picture captured by the camera to determine which
exact point on the screen the user is looking at.
Graphic symbol - COM
A written symbol that is used to represent speech. The representation system or symbols
used in AAC include gestures, hand signals, photographs, pictures, line drawings, words and
letters.
The choice of symbol system will depend on the AAC user's abilities; many will use different
symbol systems at different times. It is important to consider the individual user’s
preference, visual acuity, and visual processing of information when establishing which
type of pictures is appropriate for their communication system.
Hardware - ICT
The physical constituents (including the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical
devices) that comprise a technological device, such in the PC: motherboard, disk drives,
keyboard, screen, and so on.
High Tech
High-tech AAC aids are electronic devices that permit the storage and retrieval of
messages, with most allowing the user to communicate with others using speech output.
Such devices can also be referred to as Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) or Voice Output
Communication Aids.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) - ICT
ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term
that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television,
cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on,
as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as
videoconferencing and distance learning. ICTs are often spoken of in a particular context,
such as ICTs in education, health care, or libraries.
According to the European Commission, the importance of ICTs lies less in the technology
itself than in its ability to create greater access to information and communication in
underserved populations.
Input Devices - IND
An input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide
data and control signals to an information processing system (such as a computer).
Interface - ICT
A set of devices, software, and techniques that connect computers with people to make it
easier to perform useful activities.
Joystick - IND
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle
or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks are often used to control video games,
and usually have one or more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer.
Joystick mouse - IND
A joystick mouse looks like a joystick but works similarly to the traditional mouse. A
joystick mouse plugs into your computer and works just like a regular mouse.
Joystick-To-Mouse is a Windows software programme that allows any joystick to point and
click just like a mouse.
Keyboard - IND
An input device. There are different standard keyboards available on the market, small
keyboards, big keyboards, screen keyboards. A screen keyboard can be operated with any
kind of mouse but also with switches.
Low Tech
Low-tech communication aids are defined as those that do not need batteries, electricity or
electronics to meet the user's communication needs. These are often very simple aids
created by placing letters, words, phrases, pictures and/or symbols on a board or in a book,
which may be accessed
Mouse - IND
An input device for computer. There are different kinds of standard mouse available on the
market, like roller mouse, joystick mouse, touch screen. A touchscreen allows you to
directly point on the screen, this simulates the mouse click.
Pictograms
A graphic symbol, white easy picture on black background.
Person Centred Technology (PCT) or Personalised Technology (PT)
Person Centred Technology (PCT) is technology specifically designed around the needs of
the individual for disabled people and their carers. Its aim is to improve quality of life and
opening up potential employment opportunities for the individual. It includes Electronic
Assistive Technologies, Environmental Controls, Telecare, Telehealth and Information and
Communication Technology (ICT).
Software - ICT
General term used to describe a collection of computer programmes, procedures and
documentation that perform some task on a computer system. The term includes
application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users,
system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the
necessary services for application software.
Educational Software and Software for AAC can be personalized and used as support for
learning or communicating.
Open source software is software whose source code is published and made available to the
public, enabling anyone to copy, modify and redistribute the source code without paying
royalties or fees.
Speech Synthesizer - COM
Speech synthesizer software can translate text to speech (TTS technology) to read out loud
and clearly. Speech synthesizer software works together with a Communication software
and will then speak out the symbols chosen as a spoken message.
Switch - IND
An input device for a computer or for a Speech Device. For computers, the switch simulates
some keyboard keys, generally “space” and “enter”. Switches are used for operating
computer software or devices by one switch or with two switches by scanning.
Voice input system - IND
An input device. Voice input allows to operate the computer with your voice just by
talking. Some software translates the speech into text, some software allows to just
operate the computer commands. Dragon Dictate is an example of a voice input system.
3. Services
Accessible Online Learning - COM
Online learning is associated with content readily accessible on a computer. The content
may be on the Web or the Internet, or simply installed on a CD-ROM or the computer hard
disk26. Accessible online learning defines contents that fit to people with disabilities or
impairments (by using tools as easy to read contents, vocal content, etc.).
Domotics - DOM
Domotics is a new discipline – a technological area that can provide innovative solutions to
enhance the quality of life and the needs of home occupiers during their social, cultural,
and economic activities or during their spare time.
Home automation or domotics is generally understood as the application of new
technological solutions based on electronics and telecommunication to the domestic
environment, with the purpose of improving devices and already existing products and to
provide a large number of services of domestic utility 27.
Independent Living Services - INC
A wide variety of services designed to enhance the abilities of individuals with significant
disabilities to live independently, either in the community or with their families, and, if
appropriate, to secure and maintain employment 28.
Reasonable accommodation - INC
“Reasonable accommodation” means necessary and appropriate modifications 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. 29
Telemonitoring - DOM
Telemonitoring is a medical practice that involves remotely monitoring patients who are
not at the same location as the health care provider. In general, a patient will have a
number of monitoring devices at home, and the results of these devices will be transmitted
26
27
28
29
http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=6-1
http://www.braidproject.eu/sites/default/files/BRAID%20Glossary_Final%20September%202010.pdf
http://www.education.uiowa.edu/icater/AT_glossary.htm
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, article 2 paragraph 4.
via telephone to the health care provider. Telemonitoring is a convenient way for patients
to avoid travel and to perform some of the more basic work of healthcare for themselves.
Telecare - DOM
A method or system whereby care of the elderly and vulnerable people is given remotely,
through the use of sensors and monitors, often with the aim of allowing them to remain
living in their own homes.
Telehealth - HEA
“The remote exchange of physiological data between a patient at home and medical staff
at hospital to assist in diagnosis and monitoring - this could include support for people with
lung function problems, diabetes etc. It includes, amongst other things, a home unit to
measure and monitor temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs for clinical review
at a remote location, for example, a hospital site using phone lines or wireless technology.”
(World Health Organisation).
Telemedicine - HEA
The use of telecommunication to provide diagnostic and therapeutic medical information
between patient and doctor over a distance, without necessitating they meet in person.
Telesurgery - HEA
Surgical procedures carried out at a distance thanks to advances in robotic and computer
technology and their applications to surgery 30.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects
the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may
be made of the information contained therein.
30
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18479