Glossary

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Scanning interface(also: Switch scanning, Single-switch access)

An interaction method in which items on a screen are sequentially highlighted one at a time (or in groups), and the user activates a switch to select the currently highlighted item. Scanning interfaces provide computer access for individuals with severe motor impairments who can…

Segmentation Problem(also: Stroke Segmentation, Input Segmentation, Gesture Segmentation)

The segmentation problem in text entry and gesture recognition refers to the challenge of determining where one input unit (such as a letter, word, or gesture) ends and the next begins when there is no explicit delimiter between successive inputs. For stylus-based systems,…

Sensory-Motor Processing(also: Sensorimotor Processing, Sensorimotor Integration)

Sensory-motor processing refers to the brain's ability to receive sensory input (visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive) and coordinate appropriate motor responses. This includes fine motor control for tasks like typing and mouse manipulation, as well as the integration of…

Single Switch(also: Single Switch Access, One Switch)

An assistive technology input device that provides a single binary action — on or off — enabling people with severe motor impairments to interact with computers and communication devices. Switches can be activated by virtually any reliable voluntary movement, including a blink,…

Single-Switch Access(also: One-switch access, Single switch scanning)

An input method that allows users to control a computer, AAC device, or other technology using only one switch or button. Users with severe motor impairments who cannot operate a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen can use various switch types—including buttons pressed by hand,…

Sip-and-Puff(also: Sip and Puff Switch, Pneumatic Switch)

An assistive technology input device that detects air pressure changes from a user sipping (inhaling) or puffing (exhaling) through a straw or tube to generate control signals. Sip-and-puff systems are primarily used by people with severe motor impairments, particularly those…

Slips(also: Slip Errors, Selection Slips)

Errors that occur when a user intends to click on a target but the cursor moves off the target before the mouse button is released, resulting in a missed selection. Slips are particularly common among older adults and people with motor impairments due to difficulties with fine…

Spastic Diplegia(also: Diplegic Cerebral Palsy)

A form of cerebral palsy characterised by muscle stiffness (spasticity) that primarily affects the lower limbs, though the upper limbs may also be mildly affected. It is one of the most common types of cerebral palsy. People with spastic diplegia may walk independently, use…

Spastic Triplegia(also: Triplegic Cerebral Palsy)

A form of cerebral palsy in which three limbs are affected by spasticity (muscle stiffness), typically both legs and one arm. This condition presents unique challenges for assistive technology use because the individual has limited function in three limbs while retaining…

Speech-Based Cursor Control(also: Voice Cursor Control, Speech-Driven Pointing)

A method of controlling a computer's pointing cursor using spoken voice commands rather than a mouse, trackpad, or other physical pointing device. Users speak directional commands (such as "move left," "move up") to start cursor movement and a stop command to halt it, then issue…

Speech-Based Cursor Movement(also: Voice-Controlled Cursor, Voice Cursor Control)

A technique for moving the on-screen cursor using voice commands rather than physical manipulation of a pointing device. Speech-based cursor movement systems typically use one of two approaches: discrete specification, where the user speaks a command to jump the cursor to a…

Speed-Accuracy Tradeoff(also: Speed-Accuracy Trade-off, SAT)

A fundamental principle of human motor control where increased movement speed leads to decreased accuracy, and vice versa. Users can choose to move quickly and accept more errors, or move slowly and carefully to minimize mistakes. In accessibility contexts, the speed-accuracy…

Spinal Cord Injury(also: SCI)

Damage to the spinal cord that results in temporary or permanent changes in motor function, sensation, or autonomic function below the level of injury. Depending on the location and severity, spinal cord injuries can cause paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or…

Stance-Control Orthosis(also: Stance-control KAFO, SCO, Stance-control knee-ankle-foot orthosis)

A class of knee-ankle-foot orthoses that lock the knee during the stance (weight-bearing) phase of gait to prevent buckling, but unlock it during the swing phase to allow natural knee flexion. Stance-control devices detect gait phase through joint-angle sensors,…

Steady Tapping

The ability to place a finger on a touchscreen target and hold it still long enough for the system to register a deliberate tap, as opposed to the unintentional movements caused by hand tremor. For users with motor impairments, maintaining a steady tap is a significant challenge…

Stepwise pointing(also: Recursive target acquisition, Tile-based pointing)

A mouse emulation technique in which the screen is divided into a grid of tiles, the user selects a tile to zoom into it, the tile subdivides into smaller subtiles, and this process repeats until the desired screen location is reached at pixel-level precision. Stepwise pointing…

Submovement(also: Movement Component, Movement Segment)

A discrete component of a larger aimed movement, separated from other submovements by pauses or changes in velocity. According to the Optimized Submovement Model from motor performance theory, a rapid aimed movement such as moving a cursor to a target consists of an initial…

Switch Access(also: Switch Control, Switch Scanning)

A method of computer and device interaction that uses one or more switches as input devices, designed for people who cannot use standard keyboards, mice, or touchscreens due to motor impairments. Switch access is built into major operating systems (iOS Switch Control, Android…

Switch Scanning(also: Scanning Mode, Auto Scanning)

An input method for assistive technology where options are sequentially highlighted (scanned) and the user activates a single switch to select the currently highlighted item. This enables people with severe motor disabilities to access computers, communication devices, and other…

Switch Scanning(also: Switch Access, Scanning Input)

An alternative input method in which items on a screen are sequentially highlighted and the user activates a switch to select the desired item when it is highlighted. Switch scanning is used by people with significant motor impairments who cannot use direct touch, a mouse, or a…

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