Glossary

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(also: ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. ALS typically progresses over 2-5 years, though some individuals live longer. For accessibility, ALS presents…

Arthritis

A group of conditions involving inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition). Arthritis significantly impacts…

Cerebral Palsy(also: CP)

A group of permanent movement disorders caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. Cerebral palsy affects approximately 1 in 345 children and can range from mild to severe, potentially affecting fine motor…

Dexterity(also: Fine Motor Control, Manual Dexterity)

The ability to perform precise, coordinated movements with the hands and fingers, including gripping, pinching, typing, and manipulating small objects. Dexterity is distinct from gross motor function (large body movements) and varies widely among individuals with motor…

Dexterity Impairment(also: Dexterity Difference, Reduced Dexterity, Fine Motor Impairment)

A reduction in the ability to perform precise, coordinated movements with the hands and fingers, which can range from mild to severe and may be permanent, intermittent, or transient. Dexterity impairments can result from a wide range of conditions including arthritis, carpal…

Diplegia(also: Spastic Diplegia)

A form of paralysis or weakness affecting corresponding parts on both sides of the body, most commonly both legs. Spastic diplegia is one of the most common forms of cerebral palsy, where muscle stiffness primarily affects the lower extremities while upper body function may be…

Hemiplegia(also: Hemiparesis)

Paralysis or severe weakness affecting one side of the body, typically caused by stroke, cerebral palsy, or brain injury. Hemiplegia commonly affects the arm, leg, and sometimes face on either the left or right side. For digital accessibility, users with hemiplegia may operate…

Kinesthetic Interaction(also: Kinesthetic input, Embodied interaction)

Interaction that uses whole-body movement, gesture, or controller-tracked limb motion — as opposed to discrete button presses — to drive a computing system. Kinesthetic interaction is central to extended-reality experiences (VR/AR/MR), where hand tracking, head tracking, and…

Muscular Dystrophy(also: MD)

A group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles. There are more than 30 types, including Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle, and myotonic muscular dystrophy, each with different patterns of muscle involvement and progression.…

Quadriplegia(also: Tetraplegia)

A condition involving paralysis or significant loss of motor function in all four limbs and the torso, typically resulting from spinal cord injury at the cervical level, neurological disease, or congenital conditions. Quadriplegia profoundly affects how individuals interact with…

Quadriplegia(also: Tetraplegia)

Paralysis affecting all four limbs and typically the torso, usually resulting from spinal cord injury at the cervical (neck) level, or from conditions like ALS or muscular dystrophy. The degree of impairment varies based on the level and completeness of injury—some individuals…

Spinal Cord Injury(also: SCI)

Damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function, mobility, or sensation below the level of injury. Injuries are classified as complete (total loss of function below the injury) or incomplete (some function preserved). The higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more…

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