Glossary

A11y

Short form of accessibility. The "11" stands for the 11 letters between A and Y in "accessibility".

AMM

Accessible Maturity Model. A tool to help organisations track how accessible their services are and where they can improve.

AOM

Accessibility Object Model. A developing set of tools for web developers to see and change how a page looks to assistive technology.

API

An application programming interface (API) defines rules that let different software components communicate with each other.

ARIA

WAI-ARIA refers to the Web Accessibility Initiative - Accessible Rich Internet Applications. Extra code added to web pages that helps assistive tools like screen readers understand custom web features.

ATAG

The Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines. Standards that help make tools (like content editors) easier to use and to create accessible content.

Alt text

Short for alternative text. A short description added to an image so screen readers can explain the image.

Assistive technology

Tools that help people with disabilities use computers or websites, for example, screen readers, speech-to-text, or braille displays.

Attribute

A small piece of extra information you can add to HTML to change how something works or is described.

CMS

Content management system. Software like WordPress or Drupal that lets you create and manage website content.

CSS

Cascading Style Sheets. The language used to control how a web page looks (colours, layout, fonts).

Caption / subtitles

Text displayed on videos that shows spoken words and sound descriptions.

Conformance

Meeting the rules of an accessibility standard (like WCAG).

Contrast ratio

A measure of how clearly text stands out from its background (more contrast = easier to read).

DOM

Document Object Model. A computer’s internal map of a web page that allows code to change content or layout while the page is open.

DfA

Design for All. Another name for designing products so everyone can use them, similar to universal design.

EN 301 549

A European accessibility standard for technology products and services.

Easy language

A very simple style of writing for people who find standard language difficult.

Focus indicator

A visible outline showing where you are on a page when using keyboard navigation.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language. The main language used to build web pages.

IAAP

International Association of Accessibility Professionals. A global organisation that supports accessibility professionals and best practices.

IAAP CPACC

International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) offers a certicate Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).

IAAP CPWA

International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) offers a certicate Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA). You get the certification when you have both CPACC and WAS certificates.

IAAP WAS

International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) offers a certicate Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS).

ICT

Information and communications technology. All tech used to create, store, and share information, like computers, phones, and software.

JAWS

Job Access With Speech. A popular screen reader software for Windows that reads text aloud and helps navigate web pages.

JavaScript

A programming language that makes websites interactive.

Keyboard navigation

Using only the keyboard (no mouse) to move around a website.

NVDA

Non-Visual Desktop Access. A free screen reader for Windows that helps people who can’t see the screen.

Non-normative

Guidance or advice that helps but is not required to meet accessibility rules.

Normative

Rules that must be followed to meet an accessibility standard.

Plain language

Standard clear writing that most people can understand. It’s not as simple as easy language, but it avoids jargon.

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics. A file format for images (like icons) that stays sharp at any size.

Screen reader

Software that reads text aloud and helps typing/navigation for people who can’t see well.

TTS

Text-to-speech. Technology that reads written text aloud.

The UN

Short for the United Nations, an international organisation that, among other things, promotes human rights.

UDL

ULD comes from Universal Design for Learning. Guidelines for creating learning experiences that work for many different learners.

UX

UX means user experience. How a person feels when using a product or service (ease, clarity, efficiency).

VoiceOver

Apple’s built-in screen reader on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

W3C

The World Wide Web Consortium. The group that creates web standards, including accessibility guidelines.

WAI

The Web Accessibility Initiative. The part of W3C focused on accessibility standards and support.

WCAG

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Guidelines that explain how to make web content easier to use for people with disabilities.