Definitions
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides a formal language such as ASL or English. There are different levels of complexity for AAC
No-tech and low-tech include:
- Pictures
- Drawings
- Tangible Symbols
High-tech options include:
- using an app on an iPad or tablet to communicate
- using a computer with a speech-generating device.
American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.
Bimodal- Bilingual
Bimodal bilingualism refers to the ability to use two different modes of communication: a spoken language (such as English, Spanish, etc.) and a visual language, typically a sign language (such as American Sign Language, British Sign Language, etc.).
Bimodal refers to using two distinct modes of communication (spoken and signed languages).
Bilingual indicates proficiency in both languages, in this case, a spoken language and a sign language.
People who are bimodal bilinguals can navigate both spoken and sign languages in their daily lives, depending on their needs or the people they are communicating with. This term is commonly used in the context of Deaf communities, where individuals may use both a spoken language and a sign language, or in mixed settings where both spoken and signed languages are in use.
Braille
Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages—such as English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and dozens of others—may be written and read. Braille is used by thousands of people all over the world in their native languages, and provides a means of literacy for all.
DeafBlind
DeafBlind refers to individuals who have both significant hearing loss and vision loss. The spectrum can vary widely, and a person who is deafblind may have partial or total loss of both senses. The dual sensory loss can greatly affect communication, mobility, and access to information.
Deaf Disabled
Deaf Disabled is a term used to describe a person who is D/deaf and has one or more additional disabilities. It can refer to a range of other physical, mental, or cognitive conditions. People who are both Deaf and disabled may face distinct challenges, including accessibility to communication, mobility, and other resources, but they may also have strengths and support systems that help them navigate those challenges.
DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)
DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), refers to a set of principles and practices aimed at creating more fair, inclusive, and supportive environments.
Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting and can include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disability, religion, and more. Diversity emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing differences.
Equity focuses on fairness and justice, ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities. It goes beyond equality (which means treating everyone the same) to actively addressing and removing barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing those opportunities.
Inclusion is about creating environments where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
Belonging goes a step beyond inclusion, emphasizing that individuals feel an emotional connection and a sense of acceptance within a group or organization where they can thrive.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legally binding document developed for students with disabilities in the United States. The IEP outlines the specific educational services, supports, and accommodations a student needs in order to succeed in school. The goal of the IEP is to ensure that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Key components of an IEP include: Present Levels of Performance, Measurable Annual Goals, Special Education Services and Supports, Accommodations and Modifications, Participation in General Education, Assessment and Evaluation.
The IEP is developed by a team (student’s parents, teachers, school administrators, other professionals). The plan is reviewed and updated at least once a year to ensure that the student is making progress and receiving the necessary support.
Low-Incidence Disability
Low-incidence disability is a category of disabilities that occur relatively infrequently within the population, meaning that they affect a small percentage of individuals. These disabilities can vary widely, but they are generally characterized by the severity of the condition and the complexity of the needs associated with them. In educational contexts, they often require specialized services, interventions, or resources.
Some examples of low-incidence disabilities include: Deaf-Blindness, Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Orthopedic Impairments, and Other Health Impairments (OHI).
Due to their rarity and complexity, individuals with low-incidence disabilities often need individualized education programs (IEPs), specialized teaching strategies, and tailored accommodations in educational settings, as well as a high level of support and resources in other aspects of life.
Multimodal-Multilingual
Multimodal learning refers to the use of multiple modes of communication and representation to enhance understanding and engagement. In a multimodal educational context, different sensory modalities are employed to support learning. These modes include: visual, textual, kinesthetic, digital.
Multilingual Education refers to the use of multiple languages in teaching and learning. This approach is particularly valuable in linguistically diverse classrooms, where students speak/use different languages at home or come from multicultural backgrounds. Multilingual education aims to promote language development while fostering an inclusive environment where all learners can participate and thrive.
National Child Count
The National Child Count is a term used to refer to the process of collecting data on children with disabilities in the United States. It is part of the federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that the U.S. Department of Education collect and report data on the number of children who receive special education services. The National Child Count provides an important snapshot of the population of children with disabilities in the U.S. and supports the distribution of federal resources to ensure that these children receive appropriate educational services.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS stands for Picture Exchange Communication System. It is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that uses pictures to help individuals, especially those with autism or other communication challenges, express their needs, desires, and thoughts. The system is designed to promote communication by encouraging users to exchange a picture of an item or activity they want for the actual item or activity. PECS is widely used for children and adults who struggle with verbal communication, helping them to develop functional communication skills that enhance their ability to interact with others and participate in daily activities.
Protactile
Protactile is a communication system developed primarily by and for people who are b DeafBlind. It’s designed to facilitate tactile communication, using touch as the primary means of interaction.
In Protactile, participants rely on physical touch and gestures to convey information, rather than traditional sign language, which is visual in nature. The system was developed with the intention of providing a more fluid and natural way for DeafBlind individuals to communicate, building on principles of mutual understanding, social engagement, and the importance of physical touch in conveying meaning.
Tactile American Sign Language (T-ASL)
Tactile American Sign Language (T-ASL) is a variation of American Sign Language (ASL) specifically adapted for individuals who are DeafBlind or have limited vision. In T-ASL, signs are made by physically guiding the hands of the person who is DeafBlind, allowing them to feel the shapes and movements of the signs. T-ASL is an essential mode of communication for many individuals who are both deaf and blind, enabling them to interact more effectively with the world around them. It emphasizes the importance of tactile learning and social connection.
Tangible Symbols
Tangible symbols are physical objects or items that represent something abstract, often used in communication systems to convey meaning. They are frequently used in settings like special education, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and therapy for individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication or abstract symbols.
Examples of tangible symbols:
A toy car to represent “go” or “drive.”
A cup to symbolize “drink” or “thirst.”
A book to represent “read.”
A key to symbolize “home” or “door.”
Universally Designed
Universally Designed refers to the concept of creating environments, and systems that are accessible and usable by people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and needs, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. This approach aims to make things inclusive from the start, ensuring that they work for as many people as possible.
Examples of Universal Design in practice include: Ramps instead of stairs for accessibility, voice-activated systems for people with limited mobility or vision, adjustable workstations in offices or classrooms, subtitles on videos for those who are deaf or hard of hearing and smartphones that offer various ways to interact (touchscreen, voice commands, and assistive technologies).
