ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY FOR ADULTS · DISABILITY · ACCESSIBILITY · ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY · SUPPORT

The Words That Help Adults Ask Whether a Place, Service, Device or System Can Actually Be Used

Accessibility is easy to discuss in the abstract and surprisingly difficult to navigate in real life. A building may have a ramp but no usable route from the drop-off point. A website may contain the right information but not work with a screen reader. A person may qualify for one form of support but still need a separate assessment, device, transport arrangement or caregiver plan.

This article teaches one hundred terms that make those differences easier to see. It is not a medical diagnosis guide and it does not decide eligibility for any scheme. The aim is practical language: the vocabulary needed to describe barriers, request information, compare support options and understand how accessibility works across physical, digital and social environments.

Diagnosis Before the Glossary

Access failure: the service exists, but the person cannot reach or use it.
Information failure: the service is usable, but instructions are not available in an accessible form.
Device failure: the environment is accessible, but the person lacks the assistive technology needed to use it.
Support failure: the person can perform the task with assistance, but the assistance is unavailable or unclear.
Eligibility failure: the person does not know which scheme, assessment or document applies.

1–10 · Core Disability and Access Concepts

Disability — a long-term physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental or other condition that can interact with barriers to affect participation.
Impairment — a difference or limitation in body function or structure; it is not identical to disability because barriers and environment also matter.
Accessibility — the degree to which products, services, information or environments can be used by people with different abilities.
Inclusion — designing participation so people are not unnecessarily excluded by systems, attitudes or environments.
Participation — taking part in education, work, community, travel, family or daily activities.
Barrier — something that makes participation harder, such as stairs, inaccessible information or rigid procedures.
Accommodation — an adjustment that enables a person to participate more effectively in a specific context.
Universal design — designing products and environments to be usable by as many people as possible from the start.
Independence — being able to make decisions and carry out activities with the level of support a person chooses.
Dignity — respect for a person’s worth, autonomy and right to participate without unnecessary humiliation or dependency.

11–20 · Mobility and Physical Access

Wheelchair user — a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility; some use one all the time and others only in certain situations.
Mobility aid — a device such as a cane, crutch, walker or wheelchair that supports movement.
Step-free access — a route that can be used without climbing steps.
Barrier-free access — access designed to minimise physical obstacles for users with mobility or other needs.
Ramp — a sloped route connecting different levels.
Gradient — the steepness of a slope; it affects whether a ramp is practical and safe.
Handrail — a rail that provides support or guidance along stairs, ramps or corridors.
Accessible route — a continuous usable path between key locations.
Transfer space — clear space allowing movement between a wheelchair and another surface, fixture or seat.
Accessible toilet — a toilet designed with features and space that support people with mobility or other access needs.

21–30 · Vision, Hearing and Sensory Access

Blind — a term used by people with little or no functional vision; individual preferences vary.
Low vision — reduced vision not fully corrected by ordinary glasses and affecting everyday tasks.
Deaf — a term used by people with significant hearing loss; capital-D Deaf can also refer to cultural and linguistic identity.
Hard of hearing — reduced hearing that may be supported by amplification, captions or communication adjustments.
Sign language — a natural visual language using handshape, movement, facial expression and space.
Caption — written text representing spoken dialogue and relevant sounds in video or live communication.
Audio description — spoken description of important visual information for people who cannot fully see it.
Tactile — information designed to be felt by touch.
Braille — a tactile reading and writing system using raised-dot patterns.
Hearing loop — a system that transmits audio directly to compatible hearing devices.

31–40 · Cognitive and Neurodiversity Language

Neurodiversity — the idea that human brains and cognitive styles naturally vary.
Autism — a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, sensory experience, behaviour and interaction in varied ways.
ADHD — attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition involving patterns of attention, activity or impulse regulation.
Intellectual disability — significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour beginning during development.
Learning disability — a term used differently across countries; in some contexts it refers to specific learning difficulties and in others to intellectual disability.
Cognitive accessibility — designing information and tasks so they are easier to understand, remember and navigate.
Plain language — clear wording organised so readers can find, understand and use the information they need.
Easy Read — a highly simplified communication format often combining short text with supportive images.
Sensory environment — the pattern of sound, light, movement, texture and other stimuli in a place.
Predictable navigation — layouts and processes that behave consistently so users can anticipate the next step.

41–50 · Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) — products or systems that support a person in performing tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — methods or devices supporting communication when speech alone is difficult.
Prosthesis — an artificial device replacing a missing body part.
Orthosis — a brace or support used to assist, align or protect a body part.
Screen reader — software that converts digital text and interface information into speech or Braille output.
Screen magnifier — software or hardware that enlarges digital content.
Text-to-speech — technology that reads written text aloud.
Speech-to-text — technology that converts spoken language into written text.
Switch access — an input method allowing a user to control devices using one or more switches rather than standard touch or keyboard input.
Adaptive keyboard — a keyboard modified or designed to support users with motor, visual or cognitive access needs.

51–60 · Digital and Information Accessibility

Alternative text — a text description of an image that can be read by assistive technology.
Keyboard navigation — using a website or application without relying on a mouse or touch gesture.
Focus indicator — a visible marker showing which interactive element is currently selected by keyboard navigation.
Colour contrast — the visual difference between text or interface elements and their background.
Readable font — typography chosen to reduce unnecessary reading difficulty.
Accessible document — a digital document structured so users with assistive technology can navigate and interpret it.
Tagged PDF — a PDF containing structural information such as headings, reading order and labels for assistive technologies.
Transcript — written text representing the spoken content of audio or video.
Alternative format — another version of the same information, such as large print, Braille, audio or Easy Read.
Digital accessibility — designing websites, apps and digital content so people with disabilities can use them.

61–70 · Services, Care and Daily Support

Eligibility — whether a person meets the stated conditions for a service or scheme.
Assessment — a structured evaluation used to understand needs, function or scheme eligibility.
Caseworker — a professional who helps coordinate information, services or support for a person or family.
Social Service Agency — an organisation providing social services or community support.
Caregiver — a person providing unpaid or paid support with daily living, health or participation.
Respite care — temporary care that gives the main caregiver a period of relief.
Day activity service — structured daytime support or programmes for people needing ongoing assistance.
Community care — support delivered in community settings rather than only in hospitals or institutions.
Home-based support — assistance provided in a person’s home.
Transport assistance — financial, physical or service support that helps a person travel to essential activities.

71–80 · Work and Inclusive Employment

Workplace adjustment — a change to equipment, schedule, communication or environment that supports participation at work.
Accessible recruitment — a hiring process designed so candidates with disabilities can apply and be assessed fairly.
Job redesign — changing tasks, workflow or equipment to improve job fit and participation.
Supported employment — employment with structured assistance such as coaching or workplace support.
Job coach — a person who helps an employee learn tasks, adapt to the workplace and build independence.
Inclusive hiring — recruitment that deliberately removes unnecessary barriers for candidates with different abilities.
Flexible work arrangement — a variation in hours, location or scheduling that may support participation when feasible.
Workplace modification — a physical or technological change made to improve accessibility.
Open Door Programme (ODP) — a Singapore government-funded programme supporting employers to hire, train and integrate employees with disabilities.
Job Redesign Grant — ODP support that can help eligible employers modify work or purchase equipment for inclusive employment.

81–90 · Financial and Community Support Terms

Subsidy — financial support that reduces the cost of an eligible service or item.
Grant — funding provided for a defined purpose under stated conditions.
Means test — an assessment of financial circumstances used by some schemes to determine support level.
Household income — the combined income of household members under a scheme’s definition.
Per capita income — household income divided by the number of household members under a scheme’s method.
Assistive Devices Fund — an SG Enable-administered funding route that can help eligible persons with disabilities obtain assistive devices.
ComCare Long-Term Assistance — MSF support for people who are permanently unable to work due to age, illness or disability and have limited means and family support, subject to assessment.
Interim Assistance — short-term ComCare financial help for urgent and temporary needs.
Trust — a legal arrangement in which assets are held and managed for specified beneficiaries or purposes.
Future care planning — planning for long-term financial, legal, care and support needs before a crisis occurs.

91–100 · Built Environment, Autonomy and Participation

Code on Accessibility — BCA requirements setting baseline accessibility standards for the built environment in Singapore.
Universal Design Index (UDi) — BCA’s framework for assessing user-friendly design features beyond basic accessibility requirements.
Accessible parking — parking spaces designed and designated for eligible users who need additional access space or proximity.
Kerb ramp — a sloped transition between pavement and roadway levels.
Lift access — usable elevator access connecting required levels.
Tactile guidance — raised surface cues that support navigation for people with visual impairment.
Autonomy — a person’s ability and right to make choices about their own life.
Supported decision-making — assistance that helps a person understand options and express their own decisions rather than replacing them unnecessarily.
Accessible information — information provided in forms people with different sensory, cognitive or communication needs can use.
Feedback channel — a route for reporting access problems, requesting adjustments or suggesting improvements.

Six Distinctions That Change Real-World Access

Accessible vs available

A service can exist without being usable. A clinic appointment is available; an inaccessible booking system can still block access.

Universal design vs individual adjustment

Universal design tries to remove barriers for many people from the start. An individual adjustment solves a specific participation problem for a particular person.

Impairment vs barrier

An impairment belongs to the person’s body or function. A barrier belongs to the environment, process or attitude. Disability often emerges from their interaction.

Assistive technology vs accessible environment

A wheelchair does not remove a staircase. A ramp does not replace a wheelchair someone needs. Access often requires both environment and device.

Independence vs doing everything alone

Independence can include choosing and directing support. Requiring help does not erase autonomy.

Eligibility vs usefulness

A scheme may be useful but unavailable if its eligibility rules are not met. The next step is to identify another route rather than assume no support exists.

Diagnosis Before Prescription

“The building has a ramp, so it is accessible.”

Diagnosis: one feature has been mistaken for a complete route.
Repair: check the whole journey: drop-off, entrance, doors, lifts, toilets, seating, signs and exit.

“The information is online, so everyone can access it.”

Diagnosis: availability has been mistaken for digital accessibility.
Repair: test keyboard navigation, headings, alt text, captions, contrast and document structure.

“Support means taking over the decision.”

Diagnosis: assistance has been confused with substitution.
Repair: begin by asking what the person wants to decide and what support would help them express that choice.

Singapore Context

SG Enable describes accessibility and assistive technology as parts of the same ecosystem. BCA’s accessibility framework sets baseline built-environment requirements, while its Universal Design Index encourages user-friendly features beyond the minimum. In employment, the Open Door Programme supports employers with inclusive hiring, job redesign and training. MSF’s ComCare system provides several forms of financial assistance, including long-term and interim support, subject to assessment.

Programmes, funding levels and eligibility conditions change. The durable vocabulary skill is learning to separate need, access, eligibility, device, environment and support.

Connections eduKateAI Can Learn

Disability ↔ environment: participation depends not only on a person’s condition but also on barriers, design and available support.

Accessibility ↔ route: one accessible feature is insufficient if another part of the journey remains unusable.

Assistive technology ↔ task: devices should be connected to the function they enable rather than treated as generic equipment.

Information ↔ format: the same message may need text, audio, caption, Braille, large print or Easy Read representation.

Support ↔ autonomy: effective assistance can increase a person’s control rather than replace it.

Research & Reference Basis

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Essential Vocabulary for Adults | Disability, Accessibility, Assistive Technology & Support