Digital Accessibility: Key Terms and Definitions

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights act that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has repeatedly stated that places of public accommodation include online spaces, meaning they must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The practice of designing websites, apps, and digital content so that all people — including those with disabilities — can access, navigate, and interact with them effectively. Accessibility refers to the goal of inclusivity and creating barrier-free digital experiences.

The process of checking websites, apps, and digital content to ensure they are usable by people with disabilities. This includes testing for WCAG compliance, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and other accessibility features.

Accessible design is the approach and methods used to create digital content that meets accessibility standards and is usable by everyone. This includes designing with features such as keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, captions, alt text, and high-contrast visuals from the outset to prevent barriers.

An accessibility conformance report is a formal document that shows how a website, mobile app, or other digital product meets accessibility standards, including WCAG or Section 508. An ACR outlines tested features, compliance levels, and any remaining accessibility gaps, providing transparency and accountability for users, developers, and organizations.

A common abbreviation for accessibility. The term is typically announced as “ally”, as in someone who provides assistance or support.

Also known as alternative text, alt text is a written description of an image that screen readers can read aloud (or convert to Braille) for individuals with visual impairments, sensory processing disorders, or learning disorders.

The AODA is a non-discrimination law that applies to both government agencies and private organizations operating in Ontario, Canada. Under the AODA, organizations are required to make their websites and mobile apps accessible, meaning they must conform to the standards outlined in WCAG 2.0.

A set of code attributes that can enhance the accessibility of dynamic web content and user interface elements. ARIA helps assistive technologies, like screen readers, understand and interact with content that isn’t natively accessible, such as custom widgets, menus, or interactive forms.

Assistive technology refers to any device, software, or equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Popular examples include screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, and writing or reading assistants.

A narration track that describes key visual elements in videos, films, or live performances for people who are blind or have low vision. Audio descriptions provide context about actions, settings, facial expressions, and on-screen text, ensuring an inclusive and fully accessible media experience.

Software that automatically scans digital content against established accessibility standards, such as WCAG or the ADA, to identify barriers.

Any feature of a website, app, or digital content that prevents people with disabilities from accessing or interacting with it effectively. Barriers can include missing alt text, poor color contrast, inaccessible forms, or content that cannot be navigated with a keyboard.

A device that converts on-screen text into tactile braille, allowing people who are blind or have low vision to read digital content through touch. Braille displays often work with screen readers to provide real-time access to websites, apps, and documents.

Closed captions are text alternatives to the audio portion of multimedia content. More simply, captions are text versions of spoken dialogue, which makes media accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Color contrast is the difference in brightness and color between text or interactive elements and their background. Proper color contrast ensures content is readable and distinguishable for people with low vision or color blindness.

The state of meeting established accessibility standards, such as WCAG, Section 508, or the ADA. Compliance ensures that websites, mobile apps, and digital content are accessible to people with disabilities, thereby reducing legal and reputational risks for organizations.

A coding language used to control the layout, design, and visual presentation of web content. In accessibility, CSS plays a crucial role in ensuring readable text, proper color contrast, flexible layouts, and a responsive design that works seamlessly across various devices and assistive technologies.

According to the ADA, a person with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment, or is perceived by others as having such an impairment. Examples of disabilities include deafness, blindness, mobility disabilities, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and cerebral palsy.

The EAA is a European Accessibility law that requires “everyday products and services to be accessible for persons with disabilities.” The act is designed to increase the rights of people with disabilities by providing them with easier access to products and services.

EN 301 549 is a European accessibility standard that defines requirements for ICT products and services, including websites, software, and hardware. EN 301 549 aligns with WCAG and ensures that digital content is accessible to people with disabilities, supporting compliance with the EAA.

The organization of headings (H1, H2, H3, H4, etc.) on a webpage to create a clear, hierarchical outline. Proper heading structure helps users, including screen reader users, understand and navigate content efficiently.

HTML is the standard coding language used to create and structure content on the web. Accessible HTML uses semantic elements, proper headings, and meaningful tags to ensure content can be understood and navigated by all users.

An accessibility testing approach that combines automated scans with manual or expert testing. Hybrid testing identifies both the technical compliance issues and real-world usability barriers, helping organizations create more accessible and compliant online content.

ICT is a broad term for technologies used to create, access, and share digital information, including websites, software, apps, and communication tools. In accessibility, ICT must be designed to be usable by people with disabilities.

An approach to creating digital content, websites, and apps that considers the diverse needs of all users, including those with disabilities.

Inclusive design is creating products or services that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible. The approach considers a myriad of factors of human diversity, including language, gender, age, culture, physical ability, and more.

A method of checking whether all interactive elements on a website or app can be accessed and used with a keyboard alone, ensuring accessibility for people who cannot use a mouse.

Also called expert testing, manual testing is the process of evaluating digital content by a human tester to identify accessibility barriers that automated tools may not detect, including navigation, readability, and usability issues.

An overlay (also called an accessibility widget or plugin) is an automated software solution designed to detect and modify certain accessibility issues on a website without requiring direct changes to the site’s source code. They’re typically used to alter how content is presented to users rather than addressing accessibility issues at the code level.

Part of WCAG standards, POUR is an acronym for the four principles of accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. These principles guide the creation of digital content that all users, including people with disabilities, can access and interact with effectively.

A screen reader is a type of assistive technology that reads digital content aloud using synthesized speech or outputs to a Braille display. Common screen reader types include NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.

Section 504 is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs or activities that receive federal funding. In the digital context, it requires websites, apps, and online services to be accessible to all users.

Section 508 is a U.S. federal law that requires electronic and information technology, including websites and software, to be accessible to people with disabilities. It sets standards to ensure digital content can be used by all, including those who rely on assistive technologies.

The use of semantic HTML elements that convey meaning and structure, such as headings, lists, and tables. Proper semantics help assistive technologies, like screen readers, interpret and navigate content.

Technology that converts spoken words into written text, helping people with hearing impairments or those who prefer text input to interact with digital content.

Technology that reads written text aloud, enabling people who are blind, have low vision, or have reading difficulties to access digital content.

Text versions of audio or video content that provide a complete record of spoken dialogue and important sounds, making media accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A concept that focuses on creating digital content, products, or environments that are usable by all people, regardless of ability, age, or situation. Universal design aims to minimize barriers and provide an inclusive experience for everyone.

A VPAT provides an in-depth analysis of how a product or service meets accessibility standards, including WCAG or Section 508. VPATs help organizations evaluate accessibility and make informed purchasing decisions.

Considered the international standard for accessibility, WCAG is a set of guidelines that explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. The guidelines provide standards for text, images, video, navigation, and interactive elements to ensure inclusive digital experiences.