Abbreviations and Acronyms/Definition of Terms
AAC = alternative and augmentative communication
AAC-RERC = Augmentative and Alternative Communication Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act
ACES = Area Cooperative Educational Services
ACOLUG = Augmentative Communication Online Users Group
ASHA = American Speech and Language Association
AIM = accessible instructional materials
ANSI = American National Standard Institute
ASD = autism spectrum disorder
ASL = American Sign Language
AT = assistive technology
ATA = Alliance for Technology Access
ATAP = Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
ATI = Assistive TechnologyTobii
ATP = Assistive Technology Professional
ATTO = Assistive Technology Training Online Project
BESB = Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind
BRS = Bureau of Rehabilitative Services
CAST = Center for Applied Special Technology
CACIL = Connecticut Association of Center for Independent Living
CCSS = Common Core State Standards
CEC = Council for Exceptional Children
CES = Cooperative Educational Services
CFR = Certified Federal Registry
COM = community
CSDE = Connecticut State Department of Education
CREC = Capitol Region Education Council
DAISY = Digital Accessibility Information System
DDS = Department of Developmental Services
DME = durable medical equipment
EI = early intervention
EPSDT = Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment
ESEA = Elementary and Secondary Education Act
FAPE = free and appropriate public education
FERPA = Family Education Rights and Protection Act
FCTD = Family Center on Technology and Disability
GEC = general education classroom
GI = gastrointestinal
HOM = home
ID = intellectual disorder
IDEA = Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDELR/EHLR = Individuals with Disabilities Education Law Report/ Education for the Handicapped Law Reporter
ISP = Individualized Service Plan
IEP = individualized education program
IFSP = Individual Family Service Plan
IT = information technology
IWRP = Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program
LEA = local education authority
LD = learning disabilities
LRE = least restrictive environment
LMN = letter of medical necessity
NATRI = National Assistive Technology Research Institute
NCIP = National Center to Improve in Practices in Special Education Through Technology, Media and Materials
NCLB = No Child Left Behind
NEAT = New England Assistive Technology Center
NECTAC = National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
NIMAC = National Instructional Materials Access Center
NIMAS = National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard
NLS = National Library Service
OAT = open source assistive technology
OSEP = Office of Special Education Programs
PandA = Office of Protection and Advocacy
PBS = Public Broadcasting System
PC-OS = personal computer-operating system
PPT = planning and placement team
QIAT = Quality Indicators for Assistive Technologies
RBI = routine-based interview
RESC = regional educational service center
RESNA = Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
SERC = State Education Resource Center
SETT = Student, Environment, Task, and Tools
SEC = special education classroom
SLP = speech and language pathologist
TATN = Texas Assistive Technology Network
TASC = Technology Assistance for Special Consumers
TnT = Tots and Tech
TTY = tele-printer
UDL = Universal Design for Learning
VI = visual impairments
WATI = Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
YAACK = Augmentative and Alternative Communication Connecting Young Kids
Definition of Terms
convergence: The ability of a single-tech platform that performs multiple tasks and applications (e.g., web search, text, call, gaming, etc.). Increases access and productivity.
customizability and UDL: The ability to customize devices, apps, and software to meet the needs of diverse learners.
research- or evidence-based: Supported by evidence of effectiveness for students with disabilities.
portability and promotion of independence: AT that offers the flexibility to be used in various settings and moves with the user.
interoperability: The ability of two or more systems to exchange information.
virtual assistance: Assists with reducing many barriers to accessing mobile technologies for individuals with physical disabilities, including vision or hearing loss but currently have not made strides to creating access for individuals with speech impairments. As virtual assistance becomes more widely seen as a necessary daily aid, we hope to see it become smarter and even more accessible.