Definition of Terms

Alternative Access: Use of a method other than the regular keyboard to operate a computer. Individuals who have difficulty using the regular computer keyboard, due to physical, cognitive or learning disabilities may find that the use of an alternative access method will allow them to be successful. One alternative access method is to replace the regular keyboard with the Discover:Board; an alternative keyboard that provides the user with special keyboard options such as larger keys.

Alternative Keyboard: Specially designed keyboards that can be programmed and customized to fit the needs of the particular user or application. They are often much larger or smaller than the typical keyboard to allow for gross, poorly controlled movements or very limited movement. These versatile devices can also be used to emulate mouse movement.

Application: A computer or software program a user activates to perform a specific function or functions.

Assistive Technology Device: 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.

Bitmap: Graphics term for pictures or images that are composed of dots or pixels. Painting software such as Kid Pix and Photoshop are two examples. PICT, GIF, and JPEG are several file format examples that are in bitmap form.

Calibration: Process by which fine adjustments are made for optimal functioning. To ensure accuracy in corresponding position on the screen, it is recommended that the TouchWindow be calibrated each session

Cerebral palsy: A variety of disorders 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, as well as associated disorders of learning problems, sensory deficits, convulsive and behavioral disturbances of organic origin.
There are four main types:

Cursor: The pointer on the screen whose position you control by moving the mouse or mouse emulation device.

Desktop: The background area on a computer screen that usually contains an icon for the hard drive and an icon the trash can.

Direct Access Method: Process by which the user initiates an action to issue a command or type a character, with each possible outcome produced by a unique action such as pressing a key on the keyboard or touching a place on the touch screen.

Drag: To position the cursor on something, hold down the mouse button, and move the mouse while the button is still down.

Dycem: Rubber-like material in sheet form which helps prevent objects placed on top of it from shifting or moving.

Environmental Control Device: Control box that allows electronic appliances plugged into it to be operated through an alternate means such as a single switch.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142): An act passed by the Congress in 1975, requiring that all children be given "free and appropriate" educational opportunities in the "least restrictive" environment. It was reauthorized in 1990 as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL 101-476). The most recent revision is PL 105-17 in 1997.

Exact Pointing Correlation: Precise location method on devices such as graphic tablets that enables users to directly and immediately get to a specific area on the screen by pointing over the same corresponding area on the device. By contrast, the mouse, for example, must be rolled and manipulated to eventually reach the desired screen location.

Feedback: Sensory information such as a click, vibration, lights, or verbal cues.

File: Information, often a document or an application, saved on a disk or computer hard drive.

Graphics Programs: Any software application that lets you create, manipulate or view a picture of some type.

Hardware: Physical equipment components of your computer, including the monitor, keyboard, mouse, disk drives, and memory.

Highlight: To select, usually by clicking or dragging with the mouse. An item that is highlighted helps a switch user see what will be selected if the switch is concurrently hit.

Indirect Access Method: Process in which the user produces the same action repeatedly and the meaning of the action changes over time. Scanning is an example of an indirect access method. Hitting the switch causes the cursor to move or stop on different letters, pictures or parts of the display.

Individualized Education Program (IEP): An educational program tailored to the individual child, taking into account his/her capabilities and limitations and setting forth specific goals for the child’s learning and personal growth.

Input Device: Any piece of hardware that is used to put data into your computer.

Input Method: The way or process by which the user accesses the computer - direct or indirect. Ke:nx offers six input methods including scanning, on-screen keyboards and alternate keyboards.

Interface: A device that connects to the computer and provides a place for attaching a switch, or the interface may also allow a keyboard or dedicated communication device to be attached. The interface may or may not have software to tell the computer how to understand the attached device.

Mouse Alternatives: Alternative pointing devices for an individual who has difficulty using the regular mouse. Includes a variety of trackballs and adapted devices.

Natural Media Painting Software: Computer programs that emulate the unique characteristics of art materials such as color pencils and watercolor – but without the mess!

On-Screen Keyboard: A keyboard that appears on the monitor. Keys are "typed" by moving the cursor over the desired letter or number and then selecting it, either by a "click" or by momentarily pausing (dwelling) over that particular item.

Output Device: Any piece of hardware that displays, prints, or otherwise moves data out of your computer.

Overlay: The corresponding printed sheet to the programmed setup which is then placed on devices such as an alternative keyboard, so that the user knows where to press to activate the desired action.

Peripheral Device: A device outside the user’s computer (e.g. modem, printer) that is connected to and under the computer’s control. Adaptive input or output devices are used as peripheral devices.

Physically Disabled: A severe physical defect such as an infection of the joints or bones, disturbance of the neuromuscular mechanisms, congenital deformities, cardiac conditions, or spastic and other acquired deformities. While the degree of disability varies, individuals with physical disabilities may have difficulty grasping, moving, and may be especially prone fatigue while trying to perform an activity.

Pixel: A single dot or point of an image on a computer screen. Pixel is a contraction of the words "picture element."

Program: A set of instructions describing operations for a computer or devices to perform or accomplish a task.

Scanning: Ongoing process by which when switches are used, the choices of letters, numbers or pictures are displayed and sequentially highlighted on the screen. When the highlight indicates the desired choice, the user activates the switch, which enters the choice into the computer.
Process by which the cursor moves repeatedly from one character, or group of characters, to the next, often in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. The user selects the desired characters or words from the computer display by activating the switch when the cursor falls on that character or word.

Setups: The specifically programmed arrangement that allows a child with a disability to operate a program.

Software: Word processors, spreadsheets, games, and other sets of instructions that tell the computer’s hardware what to do.

Stylus: A pen-like device used to “draw” on the surface of a graphics tablet.

Switch: A hardware device that either opens or closes an electronic circuit, controlling the flow of electricity to an electronic device to activate or de-activate it.

User Interface: The system of computer screen images, devices and software components that allow the user to interact with and control the computer’s operating system. Macintosh and Windows utilizes a graphical user interface (GUI).