Speaking about digital accessibility

Common terms and acronyms when discussing online accessibility

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Within every organization, people have varying degrees of experience with accessibility, technology, and regulations. To help get everyone on the same page we created this glossary of the most common terms.

A11y
Often used in the accessibility community and as a hashtag, a11y is shorthand for the word accessibility, as there are 11 letters between the “a” and the “y” in the word accessibility.
ADA (American Disabilities Act)
A civil rights law in the US prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities “in all aspects of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.” Recently the accessibility of websites and digital content is considered part of these regulations. Learn more
Alt Text
A written description or interpretation of an image that is not a noticeable part of the visual content. The Alt Text can be read by screen readers or other technology.
AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
Introduced in 2005, is among the most comprehensive accessibility laws. By 2025, it aims to identify, remove, and prevent all barriers to accessibility across every aspect of life in Ontario, Canada. The AODA applies to all organizations registered in Ontario, regardless of size or industry. Learn more
AOM (Accessibility Object Model)
Also called the Accessibility Tree, the components of HTML and ARIA that are understood by assistive technologies.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An interface used to help with the development of digital methods that interact with people, programs, and applications.
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
A set of features or attributes added to a website’s HTMP to make content more accessible to Assistive Technologies.
Assistive Technologies (AT)
The range of software and hardware products that help users access web pages, apps, and computer programs. It includes technology such as screen readers and magnifiers.
CAPTCHA
A test inserted into the user journey designed to differentiate a human user from a computer. Many CAPTCHA challenges require visual ability or manual dexterity so alternative methods for users with disabilities need to be included.
Color Contrast
The difference in brightness between foreground and background colors. Text, links, and outlines are all considered part of the foreground.
DOM (Document Object Model)
A programming method for HTML and XML documents. The DOM creates the logic for the structure of the documents and how the document is accesses or changed.
EAA (European Accessibility Act)
Introduced in 2019 and fully implemented in 2025, the EAA creates a common law across the EU. It mandates that almost all organizations providing products or services to EU consumers must make them accessible. It is important to note that the EAA is a baseline, and some European countries may have additional requirements for accessibility. Learn more
Focus Indicator
A highlighted box or area that creates a visual indication of a targeted element of web content.
Focus Order
The way content components can be navigated and how that sequence affects the understanding, meaning, and operation of a web page. Sometimes also referred to as Tab Order.
Keyboard Navigation
The ability to navigate through a web page or other digital material with only the keyboard, not requiring a mouse or other visual pointing device.
Manual Testing
This type of testing uses technology and functions, such as screen readers or keyboard navigation, to test how successfully a user could engage with a web page.
Real Text
Text that can be selected with a cursor and is not part of an image. Real Text can be magnified without changes to resolution and can be read by Assistive Technologies. Real Text can also be called Digital Text or Selectable Text.
Screen Reader
Technology that interprets computer code, converting visual content on a screen into spoken words or Braille output. Some well-known examples of Screen Readers include NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
Section 508
A regulation included in the US Rehabilitation Act ensuring the accessibility of any hardware, software, or website of a federal agency used by the general public. Learn more
Semantic HTML
Using semantic HTML elements on headings, lists, or buttons provides a clear and compelling structure, which is easily interpreted by assistive technologies and improves overall website accessibility.
Universal Design
The concept of creating content, products, and environments to be usable and enjoyable to the greatest extent possible, for everyone regardless of their age, ability, or status. Also often called Inclusive Design.
VPAT® (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
A way to evaluate the accessibility of a website and create an ACR. A VPAT® includes a WCAG checklist, hardware compliances, and support documentation requirements. A VPAT® is an internationally accepted piece of evidence to show accessibility testing and compliance. Technically the VPAT® refers to the form itself, rather than the content of the ACR, though the terms are often used interchangeably.
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
An international organization that develops digital guidelines and specifications, including criteria for accessibility.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
Developed by the W3C to create a comprehensive, measurable standard for web content accessibility. Updated regularly, WCAG is used as the basis for many accessibility laws and regulations globally, including in the EU, Australia, Japan, the US, and Canada. WCAG developed a series of Success Criteria, which are measured by levels of conformance: A (basic), AA (intermediate), and AAA (advanced). It’s important to note that conformance level A does not meet the requirements of many accessibility laws. Learn more

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