This page is a reference for acronyms and terms you'll see on our site as you learn more about digital accessibility (a11y). It contains usage guidelines for key terms.
Remember: Just like security -- digital accessibility methods change as we learn more and as technology changes.
Usage: Correct usage of key terms
Instructions: Select the cards to learn more about each term.
Email (email) is a shortening of electronic mail. Email is now the accepted usage and spelling and should be used instead of deprecated terms (e-mail, e mail, etc.)
email is the correct way to shorten electronic mail
Screen readers are programs for electronic devices (desktops,
laptops, mobile devices) that can use the device's speakers to read
the text out loud to the user. They use text-to-speech programming to
speak the text so that the words sound like words. Screen readers can
be customized to speak faster or slower, change voices, and even speak
in multiple languages. Typically used by users that are blind or have
low vision, there are benefits for all users, for example new language
translation programs that can allow two people who speak different
languages to communicate in real time.
A page on a site that isn't linked to (connected) from any other page.
This means that a crawler (including an accessibility crawler or search
engine ) will not be able to find the page.
Screen readers are programs for electronic devices (desktops,
laptops, mobile devices) that can use the device's speakers to read
the text out loud to the user. They use text-to-speech programming to
speak the text so that the words sound like words. Screen readers can
be customized to speak faster or slower, change voices, and even speak
in multiple languages. Typically used by users that are blind or have
low vision, there are benefits for all users, for example new language
translation programs that can allow two people who speak different
languages to communicate in real time.
Know that ACR and VPAT are often used interchangeably
Request
an ACR or VPAT® when evaluating, renewing, or purchasing Information
and Communication Technology (ICT). This will enable the accessibility
features and compliance to be evaluated along with the product's other
offerings.
Review the document. Having a document doesn't mean
that the product is accessible. How accessible the product is, or isn't
will be detailed in the document.
Ask for the methods used to certify the application and to see the accessibility reports
American Sign Language
(ASL) - is a language with its own grammar, sentence structure, etc.
that is communicated via gestures and facial expressions. ASL is not
simply signed English.
Assistive Technology (AT) -
Physical devices or software that allows users with disabilities access
to technologies they wouldn't be able to operate otherwise. Some
examples include screen readers or physical switches.
Communication Access Realtime Translation
(CART) - A realtime, word-for-word translation by an individual for
others, that is displayed on a monitor or device for reading during
classes, appointments, and other live conversations
Department of Justice (DOJ) -- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
establishes accessibility rights as civil rights. The DOJ is
the government entity that regulates this area, though there aren't
currently any specific requirements or standards provided.
U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) - the U.S. Web Design System
is a framework from the federal government to assist developers in creating accessible websites via accessible components,
templates, utilities, etc.
Voluntary
Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards. When the VPAT is complete it creates an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
Best practices
Know that ACR and VPAT are often used interchangeably
Request an ACR or VPAT® when evaluating, renewing, or purchasing
Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This will enable the
accessibility features and compliance to be evaluated along with the
product's other offerings.
Review the document. Having a
document doesn't mean that the product is accessible. How accessible
the product is, or isn't will be detailed in the document.
Ask for the methods used to certify the application and to see the accessibility reports
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Related resources
Other helpful resources from the Digital Accessibility Hub.