Glossary
Language shapes how we understand the world and how we understand each other. When it comes to access and inclusion, unfamiliar or misused terms can create confusion, discomfort, or unintentional harm. This glossary exists to make language more accessible, approachable, and less intimidating.
Rather than assuming prior knowledge, the glossary offers shared definitions that support learning at any stage. It is designed as a reference point—a place to return to when questions arise, and a tool for building confidence in conversations around inclusion and disability. By providing clear, evolving definitions, this glossary helps create a common language that encourages understanding, respect, and more inclusive practices.
Ableism: n. discrimination against individuals with disabilities or the tendency to be prejudiced against and to stereotype them negatively as, for example, less intelligent, nonproductive, or dependent on others
Access: n. the elimination of discrimination and other barriers that contribute to inequitable opportunities to join and be a part of a work group, organization, or community.
Accommodation: n. adjustment or modification
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): is a developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms: Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized; Hyperactivity, such as often moving around, feeling restless, or talking excessively; Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn
Alternative Communication: Ways to communicate instead of speech
Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public/private places
Assistive Technology (AT): any equipment or system designed to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
Autism: a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by markedly impaired social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication; narrow interests; and repetitive behavior
Belonging: n. the feeling of being accepted and approved by a group or by society as a whole
Bias: n. an inclination or predisposition for or against something
Captioning: n. the display of the text of spoken words, typically used in theaters, on television and in films, to allow those with hearing loss to follow verbal presentations or dramatic dialogue and action
Developmental Disabilities: various chronic conditions arising in early life that can cause difficulties with communication, social interaction, or mobility, or with the acquisition of knowledge and skills
Digital Accessibility: Making online materials usable for all learners
Disability: n. a lasting physical or mental impairment that significantly interferes with an individual’s ability to function in one or more central life activities
Disability Spectrum: a wide range of neurodevelopmental symptoms, skills, and levels or support needs rather than a linear, mild-to-sevre scale
Equity: the fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all, aiming to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent full participation
Person-First Language: Language that puts the person before the disability (e.g. student with a disability)
Identity: n. an individual’s sense of self defined by (a) a set of physical, psychological, and interpersonal characteristics that is not wholly shared with any other person and (b) a range of affiliations (e.g., ethnicity) and social roles
Identity-First Language: Language that centers identity (e.g. Autistic student)
Inclusion: an environment that offers affirmation, celebration, and appreciation of different approaches, styles, perspectives, and experiences, thus allowing all individuals to bring in their whole selves (and all their identities) and to demonstrate their strengths and capacity.
Inclusive Language: Words that respect all identities and abilities
Intersectionality: a framework for understanding how various social and political identities—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability—overlap to create unique, compound experiences of discrimination or privilege
Learning Disability (LD) - any of various conditions with a neurological basis that are marked by substantial deficits in acquiring certain scholastic or academic skills.
Modification: the act of making small, partial, or limiting changes to something to improve or adapt it.
Neurodiversity: the concept that differences in human brain function—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental conditions—are natural, normal variations rather than deficits, disorders, or impairments
Pronouns: functional words that replace nouns or noun phrases
Safe Space: a designated physical or virtual environment where individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, can feel secure from discrimination, criticism, harassment, or emotional/physical harm
Sensory-Friendly: environments, events, or products specifically designed to accommodate individuals with sensory processing sensitivities—such as those with autism, ADHD, or anxiety—by minimizing overwhelming inputs