Assistive Technology Acromyns ...
Abbreviation Expansion Software
Abbreviation expansion software predicts and expands words or phrases that it finds that have been entered by the user via pre-programmed commands. The softeare is used to help individuals become more efficient writers. An example of an abbreviation used is first and last initials will be expanded into a name. The abbreviation expansion software allows the user to minimize the number of keystrokes necessary to produce a written piece. It is often combined with word prediction programs or specialized keyboard assistance programs.
Resource: FCTD AT Fact Sheet Series: Assistive Technology Glossary
Resource: www.abledata.com/
Access Utility
An access utility is a software program that modifies a standard keyboard to simplify operation of the keyboard, replace the mouse, substitute visual cues for sound signals, or add sound cues to keystrokes.
Many basic modifications can be made through software that already exists on your computer. Altering font size, color contrast, and adding or modifying audio alerts can all be done without purchasing additional software. “Sticky keys” are another very useful modification tool that can be made using pre-existing software. Sticky keys allow the individual to type one key at a time, sequentially, and experience the same results as holding down multiple keys simultaneously. For example, instead of holding down CTRL-ALT-DELETE at the same time, the individual can select each key, one at a time.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Activities of Daily Living
Frequently used in national surveys as a way to measure self-care abilities in daily life, ADLs include basic tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, getting in and out of a chair or bed, and getting around while at home. National surveys also measure another level of self-care functioning, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which include activities such as doing everyday household chores, preparing meals, conducting necessary business, using the telephone, shopping, and getting around outside the home.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Americans with Disabilities Act / ADA Amendments Act of 2008
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a bill designed to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. The act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion, mandated in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Public Law 101-336 was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990.
The law as amended has been rearranged and published by subject matter in the United States Code: I, II, III, and V are under Title 42, at section 12101; Title IV is under Title 47.
Note: In September 2008, President Bush signed into law amendments to ADA that are intended to clarify and reiterate who is covered by the law’s civil rights protections. The “ADA Amendments Act of 2008” revises the definition of “disability” to more broadly encompass impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. The amended language also states that mitigating measures, including assistive devices, auxiliary aids, accommodations, medical therapies and supplies (other than eyeglasses and contact lenses) have no bearing in determining whether a disability qualifies under the law. Changes also clarify coverage of impairments that are episodic or in remission that substantially limit a major life activity when active, such as epilepsy or post-traumatic stress disorder.
“This bill fulfills the promise of the ADA and greatly increases the number of people eligible for its protections,” stated Senator Tom Harkin, a leading sponsor of the act. The amendments take effect January 1, 2009.
Resource: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (amended) is available from www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm
Resource: The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is available from www.access-board.gov/about/laws/ada-amendments.htm
Resource: Americans with Disabilities Act Federal Web Site: www.ada.gov/
Adaptive Technologies
Adaptive technologies are a type of assistive technology that include customized systems that help individual students move, communicate, and control their environments. Adaptive technologies are designed specifically for persons with disabilities. (These devices would seldom be used by non-disabled persons.) Examples include augmentative communication devices, powered wheelchairs and environmental control systems. These assistive technologies are not used exclusively for education purposes, and can be used in all of the child’s environments.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Aids for Daily Living
Another category of assistive technology, these self-help aids help people with disabilities eat, bath, cook and dress. A wide range of devices fall under the phrase Aids for Daily Living (ADLs). A “low tech” example would be a finger nail brush with two suction cups attached to the bottom that could stick onto a flat surface in the bathroom. Such an ADL would allow a child with limited mobility to clean her nails without having to grip the brush. There are also “higher tech” ADLs. For more information on these devices, see Environmental Control Units (ECUs).
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Alternative Access / Input Device
An alternative access/input device allows individuals to control their computers using tools other than a standard keyboard or pointing device. Examples include alternative keyboards, electronic pointing devices, sip-and-puff systems, wands and sticks, joysticks, and trackballs.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Alternative Keyboards
Alternative keyboards may be different from standard keyboards in size, shape, layout, or function. They offer individuals with special needs greater efficiency, control, and comfort.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Ambulation Aids
Devices that help people walk upright, including canes, crutches, and walkers.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Architectural Adaptations
Architectural adaptations are structural fabrications or remodeling in the home, work site, or other area. Examples that remove or reduce physical barriers for an individual with a disability include ramps, lifts, lighting, altering counter top heights and widening doorframes.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Articulated Forearm Support
An articulated forearm support follows the user’s movements and drastically reduces the muscle work involved in sustained keying or mouse use.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
There is no simple definition for assistive technology (AT). Assistive technology can be a very complex and multifaceted field, yet in some cases be a relatively easy and creative problem solving process. AT can have numerous definitions, depending upon the population, the desired outcomes, the type of technology used, and the experience and orientation of the consumers and professionals involved.
- Any item, piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for learning difficulties.
A definition of assistive technology may be a system of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech tools and strategies that match a person's needs, abilities, and tasks.- As a tool to assist in the accomplishment of tasks that would be difficult or impossible to complete without assistance using only the available resources in the available time.
- Assistive Technology is "any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially of the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." (Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) 20, USC, Ch 33, Section 1401 (25) US
These definitions are generous in its language in that it opens many possibilities for what assistive technology can be. A definition does not imply that assistive technology must include computers, or that it must be expensive, or that it can only be prescribed. The definition permits assistive technology to only be restricted by our own creativity and imagination.
Resource: www.nsnet.org/atc/
Assistive Technology Device
“Assistive technology device” means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such a device.
Resource: Operating Standards and Related Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education.
Assistive Technology Service
“Assistive technology service” means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes
- The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;
- Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
- Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
- Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
- Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and
- Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.
Resource: Operating Standards and Related Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is that which assists or replaces speech communication, helping individuals express feelings, wants, needs, and desires. Augmentative communication can consist of symbols, devices, or strategies. Assistance can range from low tech to high tech solutions. It is also an area of clinical practice. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association states that AAC is used to help those with impairments that may bring temporary or permanent solutions for individuals without the ability to communicate through oral speech or written communication.
Resource: Communication Services and Supports for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: FAQs. "What is AAC?" 2005. National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. Available online from http://www.asha.org/NJC/faqs-aac-basics.htm
Resource: Communication services for individuals with severe disabilities: Current "best practices." 2005. National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. Available online from www.asha.org/NJC/
Auxillary Aids and Services
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (see definition above), professionals and organizations must communicate as effectively with people with disabilities as they do with others. Auxiliary aids and services assist in this effort. Auxiliary aids may include taped texts, interpreters or other effective methods of making materials usually delivered orally available to students with hearing impairments; readers in libraries for students with visual impairments; classroom equipment adapted for use by students with manual impairments; and other similar services and actions.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Battery Interrupter
A battery interrupter allows the user to modify battery-operated devices for switch input.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Braille
“Braille,” unless otherwise specified, means a tactile system of reading and writing for individuals with visual impairments commonly known as standard English Braille.
Resource: Operating Standards and Related Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education.
Braille Display
A Braille display is a tactile device consisting of a row of special ‘soft’ cells. A soft cell has 6 or 8 pins made of metal or nylon; the pins are controlled electronically to move up and down to display characters as they appear on the display of the source system - usually a computer or Braille note taker. They can also be used for advanced math work and for computer coding. A number of cells are placed next to each other to form a soft or refreshable Braille line. As the little pins of each cell pop up and down, they form a line of Braille text that can be read by touch.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Braille Embossers and Translators
A Braille embosser transfers computer-generated text into embossed Braille output. Translation programs convert text, scanned in or generated via standard word processing programs, into Braille that can be printed on the embosser.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Captioning
A text transcript of the audio portion of multimedia products, such as video and television, that is synchronized to the visual events taking place on screen.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Cognitive Orthotics
Cognitive orthotic sare software-based personal reminder systems for people with cognitive impairment, such as memory loss. People who can benefit include the elderly, people who have experienced traumatic brain injury, and anyone who experiences memory loss. These devices may be installed on personal digital assistants (PDAs). They may include elements of adaptive programming or artificial intelligence, to accommodate the needs of the individuals more appropriately.
Resource: Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_orthotics
Digitized Speech
Digitized Speech is speech that has been digitally recorded for later play-back. As it is a recording, the quality is good and easy to understand. Digitized speech may be used in CD-Roms for talking stories, in encyclopedias, and in software packages where teachers and students are able to record sounds, words and sentences themselves. Digitized Speech has a finite, predetermined vocabulary and so does not offer full access to mainstream software.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Electronic Pointing Devices
Electronic pointing devices allow the user to control the cursor on the screen using ultrasound, an infrared beam, eye movements, nerve signals, or brain waves. When used with an on-screen keyboard, electronic pointing devices also allow the user to enter text and data.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Environmental Control Unit
Environmental control units (ECUs) are systems that enable individuals to control various electronic devices in their environment through a variety of alternative access methods, such as switch or voice access. ECUs can control lights, televisions, telephones, music players, door openers, security systems, and kitchen appliances.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Eye Gaze Board
An Eye Gaze Board is a clear Plexiglas board that is used as a simple communication device. Pictures are mounted at strategic areas on the board and the user is asked to look at the picture they want to choose.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Free Appropriate Public Education
“Free appropriate public education; or FAPE” means special education and related services that
- Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge;
- Meet the rules for the education of children with disabilities as adopted by the State Board of Education;
- Include preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education in the State; and
- Are provided in conformity with an individualized education program.
Resource: Operating Standards and Related Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
Relating to the original IDEA legislation, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act is the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
IDEA is organized in four sections:
- Part A - General Provisions
- Part B - Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities
- Part C - Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
- Part D - National Activities to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities
Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
- New: Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 (Part B and C)
- View / print Public Law 108-446 [H.R. 1350] pdf [415 kb]
- View / print Public Law 108-446 [H.R. 1350] (text)
- Idea Partnership Web Site Links Related to P.L. 108-446
Part B (ages 3 - 21)
The U.S. Department of Education announced the final Part B regulations to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) on August 3, 2006. On August 14, 2006, the official copy of the final Part B regulations of the IDEA was published in the Federal Register.
- New: Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 (Part B and C)
- View a copy of the final regulations: Federal Register (1.5 mb pdf)
- View a copy of the legislation: Public Law 108 - 446 (htm)
- U.S.D.E. Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 Web site: idea.ed.gov
Part C (ages birth - 2)
Part C is the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. The new Part C Notice of Proposed Rulemaking NPRM has been published and is available online. The NPRM incorporates the changes made to IDEA 2004.
- New: Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 (Part B and C)
- http://idea.ed.gov/download/Part_C_NPRM--OFR.pdf
- http://idea.ed.gov/static/partCNprm
Resources: NICHCY: www.nichcy.org/Laws/IDEA/Pages/Default.aspx
Individualized Education Program
“Individualized education program or IEP” means a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting in accordance with paragraph (D) to (K) of rule 3301-51-07 of the Administrative Code.Resource: Operating Standards and Related Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education.
Infared Sender / Receiver
An Infrared Sender/Receiver is a device commonly found in an environmental control unit (ECU). An infrared signal is sent to the control unit, which in turn sends an infrared signal to the appliance. These are usually small and portable and vary in size and shape. They can be used in different areas of the same room, but the remote must be aimed directly at the control box, with nothing in its path, for the signal to be received.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Information Technology
Information technology includes any product used to acquire, store, manipulate, or transmit information, such as computers, multimedia, telecommunications, copy machines, and the Internet.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
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Joystick
A joystick may be used as an alternate input device. Joysticks that can be plugged into the computer’s mouse port can control the cursor on the screen. Other joysticks plug into game ports and depend on software that is designed to accept joystick control.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Keyboard Additions
A variety of accessories have been designed to make keyboards more accessible. Keyguards are hard plastic covers with holes for each key. Someone with an unsteady finger or using a pointing device can avoid striking unwanted keys by using a keyguard. Moisture guards are thin sheets of plastic that protect keyboards from spills and saliva. Alternative labels add visual clarity or tactile information to the keys
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Keyboard Emulator
A keyboard emulator is a device that is connected to or resides in a computer and imitates the computer’s keyboard in function and performance.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
A least restrictive environment (LRE) refers to settings where children with and without disabilities are educated together as opposed to the most restrictive environments where children with disabilities are not educated with children who are non-disabled.
Resource: Ohio Department of Education (keyword: Acronyms)
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process for resolving disputes between two parties. For mediation to occur, both sides must agree to mediate. The mediation process is facilitated by a trained impartial third party, the mediator, who helps the parties communicate with each other about their concerns in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Resource: Ohio Department of Education: education.ohio.gov (Keyword Search: Mediation)
Mobility and Transportation Aids
Mobility and transportation aids include products that help mobility-impaired persons move within their environment, and give them independence in personal transportation. These products include standing or walking aids, transfer aids, stair lifts, walkers, scooters, wheelchairs and three-wheeled chairs, adapted bikes and tricycles, car seats or beds, stretchers, patient chairs, ramps, recliners, strollers, travel chairs, wheelchair trays, driving controls, seat belts, vehicle conversions, patient and wheelchair lifts, wheelchair loaders/carriers and wheelchair restraint systems.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Onscreen Keyboard
On-screen keyboards are software images of a standard or modified keyboard placed on the computer screen by software. The keys are selected by a mouse, touch screen, trackball, joystick, switch, or electronic pointing device.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Optical Character Recognition
Optical character recognition (OCR) software works with a scanner to convert images from a printed page into a standard computer file. With OCR software, the resulting computer file can be edited. Pictures and photographs do not require OCR software to be manipulated.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Pointing Aids
A pointing or typing aid is typically a wand or stick used to strike keys on the keyboard. They are most commonly worn on the head, held in the mouth, strapped to the chin, or held in the hand.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Screen Enlargement Programs
Screen enlargement programs magnify a section of the screen, increasing the visibility for users with limited vision. Most screen enlargement programs have variable magnification levels and some offer text-to-speech options.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Screen Readers
A screen reader is a software program that uses synthesized speech to “speak” graphics and text out loud. This type of program is used by people with limited vision or blindness.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Talking Word Processors
Talking word processors (TWP) are writing software programs that provide audio feedback as the student writes. As each letter is typed and each word is written, the TWP will “speak” it back to the user. Many of these inexpensive writing programs also incorporate powerful tools for reading. Students with learning disabilities often find that having written material read aloud helps them to better edit, comprehend and organize their projects. Once a file (i.e. story from a book, assignment, article or typed information) is imported into a talking word processor, the text can be read aloud to the student. These TWP programs offer other adjustments as well, such as enlarging the size of the text, and changing the color of the foreground, background, and highlighting box, to assist students in following along as the text is read.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Touch Screens
A touch screen is a device placed on or built into the computer monitor that allows direct activation of the computer, or selection of a program, through a touch on the screen.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf
There are several types of communication devices that allow individuals who cannot speak or hear to use a telephone: TT, TTD and TTY. These devices allow individuals to communicate using a standard telephone line. The caller can either communicate with another device or can place a call using an operator. The operator can relay the call, allowing the two people to "speak." They are usually small and have a keyboard or other input device and screen or printer.
There are some differences in the way these devices allow for communication; new devices can communicate from a personal computer using a an internet connection and specially designed software. Some models are portable and can be used instead of a normal lanline phone.
A TTY (a.k.a. TT) stands for telephone typewriter, teletypewriter or text phone. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) and is a device with a keyboard that sends and receives typed messages over a telephone line.
Resource: techFAQ: www.tech-faq.com/tty-tdd.shtml
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Resource: Ohio Relay Service: www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/consumer/information.cfm?id=4070
Typing Aids
A pointing or typing aid is typically a wand or stick used to strike keys on the keyboard. They are most commonly worn on the head, held in the mouth, strapped to the chin, or held in the hand.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) refers to the definition of Universal Design that was used in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.
"The term 'universal design' means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly accessible (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technologies." (Section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998)
Within IDEA 2004, the law states that "state educational agencies (or local agencies in the case of district assessments) shall to the extent feasible use universal design principles in developing and administering any statewide assessment." (IDEA, Section 614).1
With an increased emphasis on the universal design of products and services, some students with disabilities may be able to access and use educational materials without the addition of special assistive technologies.
Universal design (UD) is the design of products and environments so they are usable by a wide range of people. Examples of universally designed environments include buildings with ramps, curb cuts, and automatic doors.2
Resource1: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Resource2: Ohio Center for Autism and Low incidence (OACLI)
Universal design is an approach to designing course instruction, materials, and content to benefit people of all learning styles without adaptation or retrofitting. Universal design provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access to information. Universal Design allows the student to control the method of accessing information while the teacher monitors the learning process and initiates any beneficial methods.
Although this design enables the student to be self-sufficient, the teacher is responsible for imparting knowledge and facilitating the learning process. It should be noted that Universal Design does not remove academic challenges; it removes barriers to access. Simply stated, Universal Design is just good teaching.
- Identify the essential course content.
- Clearly express the essential content and any feedback given to the student.
- Integrate natural supports for learning (i.e. using resources already found in the environment such as study buddy).
- Use a variety of instructional methods when presenting material.
- Allow for multiple methods of demonstrating understanding of essential course content.
- Use technology to increase accessibility.
- Invite students to meet/contact the course instructor with any questions/concerns.
Resource: Ohio State University Partnership Grant, Fast Facts for Faculty: ada.osu.edu/resources/fastfacts/Universal_Design.htm
Voice Recognition
Different types of voice recognition systems (also called speech recognition) are available. Voice recognition allows the user to speak to the computer, instead of using a keyboard or mouse, to input data or control computer functions. Voice recognition systems can be used to create text documents such as letters or email, to browse the Internet, and to navigate among applications and menus.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) works with organizations around the world to develop strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the Web accessible to people with disabilities. Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web and contribute. Web accessibility benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to aging. The Web Accessibility Initiative develops guidelines and techniques that describe accessibility solutions for Web software and Web developers. These WAI guidelines are considered the international standard for Web accessibility.
Resource: Web Accessibility Initiative
Web Accessibility
Universal accessibility to the Web means that all people, regardless of their physical or developmental abilities or impairments, have access to Web-based information and services. Making Web pages accessible is accomplished by designing them to allow the effective use of adaptive technologies to access their content.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
X-10
X-10 is a communications “language” that allows compatible products to talk to each other using the existing electrical wiring in the home. Most X-10 compatible products are very affordable and the fact that they talk over existing wires in your home means that no costly rewiring is necessary. Installation is simple, a transmitter plugs (or wires) in at one location in the home and sends its control signal (on, off, dim, bright) to a receiver which plugs (or wires) into another location in the home.
Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info