A
A11y
A common abbreviation for accessibility, widely used in digital accessibility communities and tools.
Access
The ability for all users, including those with disabilities, to independently perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with digital content.
Access barrier
Anything that prevents or limits a user with a disability from fully using or interacting with digital content or systems.
Access keys
Keyboard shortcuts assigned to elements on a webpage; can improve navigation but may create conflicts if not implemented carefully.
Accessibility (Digital)
The practice of designing digital content and technologies so they are usable by people with a wide range of abilities.
Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)
A completed report that documents how well a digital product meets accessibility standards; also, a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
Accessibility lifecycle
The ongoing process of planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining accessible digital content.
Accessibility maturity
The level at which an organization has integrated accessibility into its processes, tools, and culture.
Accessibility risk
The potential for digital content or systems to create barriers that limit access for individuals with disabilities, resulting in legal, operational, or reputational impact.
Accessible
Describes digital content or systems that can be used effectively by people with diverse abilities and assistive technologies.
Accessible content
Digital content designed with structure and features that support assistive technologies and varied user needs.
Accessible media player
A multimedia interface that supports keyboard use, screen readers, captions, and adaptive display settings.
Accommodation
An adjustment or alternative method provided to ensure a person with a disability can access content or complete tasks.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
A federal law requiring equal access to programs, services, and digital content for individuals with disabilities.
Adaptive technology
Another term for assistive technology—tools that enable users with disabilities to access digital systems.
Alt attribute
HTML attribute used to provide alternative text descriptions for images.
Alternate formats
Different versions of content (e.g., audio, large print, braille) that ensure accessibility.
Alternate methods
Different ways of delivering information to ensure access when standard methods are not accessible.
Alternative access plan
A structured approach for providing accessible alternatives when full compliance cannot be immediately achieved.
Alternative text (alt text)
Text descriptions that convey the meaning or purpose of images and non-text elements.
ARIA
A set of attributes that adds meaning to web content so assistive technologies can better interpret and communicate interactive elements.
Artifact (PDF)
Non-essential content in a document (e.g., decorative elements) that is intentionally hidden from assistive technologies.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Devices or software that help people with disabilities interact with digital content (e.g., screen readers).
Audio description
Narration that describes visual elements in media for users who are blind or have low vision.
Audit
A systematic evaluation of digital content to identify accessibility issues.
C
Captions
Text synchronized with audio content that includes dialogue and relevant sounds.
Chronic health conditions
Long-term or recurring conditions, such as chronic fatigue or pain, that may affect a user’s ability to interact with digital content consistently or for extended periods.
Closed functionality
Systems that prevent users from adding assistive technologies, limiting accessibility.
Cognitive disabilities
Conditions that affect memory, attention, comprehension, or problem-solving.
Color contrast
The difference between foreground and background colors to ensure readability.
Color Contrast Ratio Requirement
Minimum contrast thresholds defined by WCAG to ensure text and visual elements are readable by users with low vision.
Comparable access
Providing an alternative method that offers similar access to content, services, or programs when full accessibility is not yet achieved.
Compliance risk
The risk of failing to meet legal or regulatory accessibility requirements, such as ADA Title II, Section 504, or state policies.
Conformance
The degree to which content meets accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Conformance levels (A, AA, AAA)
Levels of WCAG compliance, with AA being the most commonly required standard.
Corrective action plan
A formal plan to address identified accessibility issues and prevent future occurrences, often required after audits or complaints.
D
Deaf
Having little or no ability to hear, often requiring visual alternatives such as captions.
Decorative image
An image that does not convey meaningful information and may not require alt text.
Descriptive transcript
A text version of audio and visual content combined, supporting multiple disability types.
Dexterity impairments
Limitations in fine motor control where users may have difficulty with small targets, precise movements, or tasks requiring sustained physical interaction.
Disability
A physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental condition that may affect how a person interacts with digital content.
E
Electronic and Information Resources (EIR)
All digital systems, tools, and content that must meet accessibility requirements.
Electronic forms (e-Forms)
Digital forms that must be accessible for keyboard use, screen readers, and clear input labeling.
Exception
A documented and approved case where accessibility standards cannot be fully met.
Exemption
A rare, officially granted release from accessibility requirements, typically at a higher level.
F
Focus
The current interactive element selected for keyboard or assistive technology use.
Focus indicator
A visible cue showing which element is currently selected.
Focus order
The sequence in which users move through interactive elements, which must be logical.
Form Instructions
Clear guidance provided to users on how to complete form fields, supporting accessibility and usability.
H
Hard of hearing
Having reduced hearing ability, often requiring captions or transcripts.
Headings
Structured labels that organize content and support navigation for all users.
I
Images of text
Images that contain text and should be avoided or supplemented with accessible alternatives.
Interactive elements
Components within digital content that users can engage with to perform actions or navigate information. Examples include buttons, links, form fields, menus, and controls.
K
Keyboard navigation
The ability to fully navigate and interact with content using only a keyboard.
Keyboard trap
A barrier where users cannot move focus away from an element using a keyboard.
L
Label
Text that identifies the purpose of an input or interface element.
Language and literacy barriers
Challenges related to reading comprehension, language proficiency, or familiarity with terminology. Plain language and clear communication improve access for these users.
Low vision
Reduced vision requiring magnification, contrast adjustments, or screen reading tools.
M
Manual testing
Accessibility testing performed by humans to identify issues automation cannot detect.
Mental health conditions
Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may affect attention, focus, or response to content.
N
Neurodivergence
Variations in cognitive abilities, including conditions such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia that can affect how users process information.
Neurological disabilities
Conditions that affect the brain or nervous system, impacting movement, memory, processing, or sensory interpretation that can impact access to digital content.
O
Operable
A WCAG principle meaning users can interact with all interface elements.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
Technology that converts images of text into readable digital text for accessibility.
P
Perceivable
A WCAG principle meaning content must be presented in ways users can detect.
Permanent disabilities
Long-term or lifelong conditions that affect how an individual interacts with digital content and technology. These may include visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, or neurological impairments.
Photosensitive epilepsy
A neurological condition in which flashing lights or certain visual patterns can trigger seizures. Digital content must avoid rapid flashing or blinking elements that exceed safe thresholds.
Plain language
Clear, simple communication that improves comprehension for all users.
Programmatically determinable
Content structured so assistive technologies can interpret it correctly.
R
Reading order
The sequence in which content is presented to assistive technologies.
Reflow
The ability of content to adapt to different screen sizes without loss of information or functionality.
Remediation
The process of fixing accessibility issues in digital content.
Remediation plan
A documented approach for correcting accessibility issues over time, including priorities, timelines, and responsibilities.
Resize Text
WCAG requirement that text can be resized (up to 200%) without loss of content or usability.
Risk mitigation (accessibility)
Actions taken to reduce or manage accessibility risks, including remediation, alternative access, procurement controls, and policy enforcement.
Robust
A WCAG principle meaning content works across different technologies and assistive tools.
S
Screen reader
Software that converts text and interface elements into speech or braille.
Section 508
A federal requirement for accessible digital technology required for federal government agencies.
Semantic markup
HTML that conveys meaning and structure to assistive technologies.
Sensory impairment
A disability affecting sight, hearing, or touch.
Situational limitations
Environmental or contextual factors, such as sunlight, noise, or multitasking, that temporarily restrict a user’s ability to interact with content.
Skip Navigation (Skip Link)
A mechanism that allows users to bypass repetitive content and move directly to the main content.
Speech-to-text (STT)
Technology that converts spoken words into text.
Speech disabilities
Conditions that affect the ability to produce or control speech where users may rely on alternative input methods such as text entry or assistive communication devices.
Structure
The logical organization of content, supporting navigation and comprehension.
Success criteria
WCAG testable requirements used to measure accessibility.
T
Tabbing
Navigating interface elements using the keyboard Tab key.
Tagged PDF
A PDF with structure and semantics that make it accessible to assistive technologies.
Transcript
A text version of audio or video content.
Temporary disabilities
Short-term impairments caused by injury, illness, or recovery (e.g., a broken arm or eye strain). These conditions can temporarily affect how users interact with digital content.
Text alternative
Equivalent text that conveys the meaning of non-text content.
Timing Adjustable
Requirement that users can extend or disable time limits unless essential.
U
Understandable
A WCAG principle meaning content is clear and predictable.
Universal Design
Design that works for the widest range of users without adaptation.
Usability
How easily users can interact with and understand a digital application, platform or system.
User Control
The ability for users to adjust settings such as playback, timing, or display to meet their needs.
V
Vestibular disorders
Conditions that affect balance and spatial orientation. Motion effects such as animations or unexpected movement can cause discomfort, dizziness, or nausea for affected users.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
A template used by vendors to document accessibility; when completed, it becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report, or ACR.
W
WAI-ARIA
Specifications that enhance accessibility of dynamic web content
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
International standards for making web content accessible.
WCAG Principles (POUR)
The four foundational principles of accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.