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Glossary of Terms

Two women on the photo: one woman is speaking on her phone and the other woman is working on her laptop.
Two women on the photo: one woman is speaking on her phone and the other woman is working on her laptop.
AJAX progress indicator

  • 7

  • A framework to maximize learning and development activities for staff, where 10% of development occurs in a formal learning setting, 20% occurs through informal learning and 70% occurs on the job.

  • a

  • The discrimination of, and social prejudice against, people with disabilities based on the belief that status quo abilities aresuperior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the erroneous assumption that people with disabilities require ‘fixing’.
  • The degree to which persons with disabilities can access a device, service or environment without barriers. Accessibility is also a process – it is the proactive identification, removal and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities.
  • The characteristics of environments, processes, activities, or objects that allow for their ease of use/application regarding understanding, communication between the different parties, and their usability by people.This type of accessibility refers directly to cognition, to the mind, to the different strategies and methods that human beings have to face a new task, an unknown environment or an overwhelming process.
  • Steps taken by businesses to make the workplace more accommodating for people with disabilities, such as making accommodations and following non-discriminatory practices.
  • An individualized and reactive adaptation or adjustment made to provide a person with a disability with equitable and non-discriminatory opportunities for participation.
  • Adjustments made to an environment or system to make it accessible and usable by people with disabilities.
  • Adjustments made to existing workflows, job tasks, work location, work hours, environment, communication methods, learning & development processes, etc. to allow for employees to perform their job. Accommodations and adjustments in the workplace are not “special treatment”. They level the field between employees with disabilities and those without.
  • The practice of listening to the words being spoken and repeating them back to the speaker to show understanding.
  • Supporting equity-deserving groups, even if you are not a member yourself.
  • Refers to the conversion of printed text, audio or video files into formats more easily accessed by persons with disabilities.
  • A hiring platform that allows businesses to keep track of all job candidates in one place, throughout the hiring process.
  • These barriers result from the design elements of a building such as stairs, doorways, the width of hallways and room layout. These barriers may also occur through everyday practices, such as when boxes or other objects obstruct pathways.
  • A tool, technology or mechanism that enables a person with a disability to do everyday tasks such as moving, communicating or lifting. Assistive devices help persons with disabilities maintain their independence at home, at work and in the community.
  • Technologies (software or hardware) that increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities when interacting with computers or computer-based systems.
  • Identified by persons with disabilities as the hardest barrier to overcome, attitudinal barriers describe what we think and how we interact with persons with disabilities.
  • Audio is an alternative format for persons with a vision, intellectual or developmental or learning disability, or who cannot read print.
  • An evaluation of a system, process, or product to ensure it meets certain standards or requirements.
  • A neurodevelopmental disability that affects how Autistic individuals experience the world around them. Defined by Autism self-advocates as “just another way of being human”.

  • b

  • A barrier is anything that keeps someone with a disability from participating fully in society because of their disability. Barriers can be visible or non-visible.
  • An alternative format for persons who are blind or deafblind. It is a tactile system of raised dots representing letters or a combination of letters of the alphabet. Braille is produced using Braille transcription software.
  • The perception of a business in the minds of its customers, employees, and the wider public.
  • A state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.

  • c

  • Translates the audio portion of a video presentation by way of subtitles, or captions, which usually appear on the bottom of the screen. Captioning may be closed or open. Closed captions can only be seen on a television screen that is equipped with a device called a closed caption decoder. Open captions are “burned on” a video and appear whenever the video is shown. Captioning makes television programs, films and other visual media with sound accessible to persons who are deaf or hard of(...)
  • Text that appears on screen with a video or audio recording, providing a transcription of the spoken content.
  • Includes languages, display of text, Braille, tactile communication, large print, accessible multimedia as well as written, audio, plain-language, human-reader and augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication, including accessible information and communication technology.

  • d

  • In Deaf culture, indicated by a capital “D”, the term “Deaf” is used to describe a person who has severe to profound hearing loss and who identifies with the culture, society and language of Deaf persons, which is based on Sign Language. Persons who are profoundly deaf may identify themselves as culturally Deaf or oral deaf.
  • A person who is deafblind can neither see nor hear, to some degree. Many persons who are deafblind are accompanied by an intervenor. Intervenors are trained in special sign language that involves touching the person’s hands in a two-hand, manual alphabet.
  • This term describes a person who has lost their hearing slowly or suddenly in adulthood. The person may use speech with visual cues such as captioning or computerized note-taking, speech reading or sign language.
  • DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting. Equity is the process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the workplace.
  • DVS provides descriptive narration of key visual elements–such as the action, characters, locations, costumes and sets–without interfering with dialogue or sound effects. DVS makes television programs, films, home videos and other visual media accessible for persons with vision disabilities.
  • The application of skills that are learned. These skills could be job specific competencies or skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership.
  • An assistive device that enables persons with hearing loss to listen to books, directions, art shows, etc.
  • A complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and mind and features of the society in which they live. A disability can occur at any time in a person’s life; some people are born with a disability, while others develop a disability later in life. It can be permanent, temporary or episodic. Disability can steadily worsen, remain the same, or improve. It can be very mild to very severe. It can be the cause, as well as the result, of disease, illness,(...)
  • “Disabled” generally describes functional limitations, including walking, lifting, learning and breathing. While the terms “disabled people” or “the disabled” are more commonly used in Europe”, in North American the term “people with disabilities” is preferred.
  • Any distinction, exclusion or restriction that results in the unfair or negative treatment of a person or group, for reasons such as their race, age or disability.
  • Employers and service providers have an obligation to adjust rules, policies or practices to enable individuals with a disability to participate fully. The duty to accommodate means that sometimes it is necessary to treat someone differently in order to prevent or reduce discrimination.Inclusion In relation to persons with disabilities, inclusion is defined as including individuals with disabilities in everyday activities and ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities in(...)

  • e

  • Used with computer synthetic voice technology (screen reading software) that allows persons who are blind, have low vision or who have learning disabilities to hear a spoken translation of what others see on the monitor.
  • The ability to understand and consider the feelings of another.
  • The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
  • A Canadian federal law that requires employers to provide equal employment opportunities to people in designated groups, including those with disabilities.

  • f

  • Information about the past, given in the present, with the goal of influencing behaviour or performance in the future.
  • An assistive device used by persons who are Deaf, deafened, oral deaf or hard of hearing to help boost sound closest to the listener while reducing background noise.

  • g

  • A framework to guide coaching conversations, which focuses on Goals, Reality, Options and Will.
  • Working with the student to set goals across three dimensions: learning, exposure and output.

  • h

  • This term describes a person who uses their residual hearing and speech to communicate. The person may supplement communication by speech reading, hearing aids, sign language and/or communication devices.
  • An assistive device that makes sound louder and clearer for persons who are Deaf, deafened, oral deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Persons who have hearing loss may be deaf or hard of hearing. Like other disabilities, hearing loss has a wide variety of degrees. Deafness can be evident at birth, or occur later in life from other causes, such as meningitis. Persons who are partially deaf often use hearing aids to assist their hearing. Deaf persons also use sign language to communicate. While American Sign Language and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ, or Langue des signes québécoise) are commonly used, not everyone with(...)
  • A Canadian government department responsible for overseeing the national employment system and labour market.

  • i

  • The practice of creating a diverse and equitable environment where everyone can reach their full potential.
  • Language in job postings that does not deter anyone from applying in any way.
  • A plan that outlines specific accommodations for an employee with a disability.
  • A diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share or exchange information.
  • Examples of this barrier include small print size, low colour contrast between text and background or not facing the person when speaking.
  • While many people associate disability with people using wheelchairs or white canes or who are missing limbs, the majority of disabilities are invisible. The preferred terms are “non-visible” or “non-evident” disability.Job Carving The practice of creating a job tailored towards an employee's skill set.Lateral mentorship When a mentor-mentee relationship is established between two employees that have roles of equal power in the workplace. Can also be called peer mentorship.

  • j

  • Rethinking and restructuring traditional jobs to better match the strengths and talents of employees.

  • l

  • An alternative format for persons who have low vision. Large print materials should be prepared with a font (print) size that is 16 to 20 points or larger.
  • The acquisition of new knowledge, behaviours, skills, and values that occurs through study, practice and experience.
  • An LMS is the software used to deliver online course content and is where learners access and interact with that content. LMS platforms also help track learner progress and learner engagement.

  • m

  • An assistive device that makes print and images larger and easier to read.
  • When an Autistic or Neurodivergent worker will pretend that they are not Autistic or Neurodivergent. This is often done when they feel that openly displaying their Autistic & Neurodivergent traits will result in ridicule, exclusion, or even harm their chances to advance in their careers despite being qualified.
  • Days off from work to focus on one’s own mental health and well-being.
  • The peer receiving the guidance and the support from the mentor.
  • Someone who provides guidance, support and advice to peers in order to help them succeed.
  • A senior person in the organization who provides guidance to the student employee and can offer a different perspective from their manager or supervisor.
  • Short breaks throughout the day to de-stress and refocus.
  • An assistive device that helps persons who have difficulty walking. For example, wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes and crutches.

  • n

  • Building and maintaining a web of professional contacts, and leveraging personal contacts for professional purposes.
  • When the brain develops in a way different than the status quo,which can affect how a person may learn, socialize, communicate, process their senses, perform cognitive tasks (ex.time management, organization, etc.), etc.This does not mean these tasks will not be possible for the person to do, or that they will be guaranteed to experience impairments in these areas. Rather it simply means that the development of these skills and traits will be different than the status quo.
  • The diversity of human brains and the range of differences in how they function and process information.
  • Having a mind that processes, learns, and behaves according to the status quo.Neurodiversity A naturally-occurring diversity in thinking and in seeing the world, caused by genes and environment.Neurodivergent Having a mind that processes, learns, and behaves in a way that diverges from the status quo.
  • “Non-disabled” refers to someone who does not have a disability and is the preferred term when the context calls for a comparison between people with and without disabilities. Use ‘non-disabled’ or ‘people without disabilities’ instead of ‘healthy’, ‘able-bodied’, ‘normal’ or ‘whole’.
  • Facial expressions, body language and tone of voice that can give hints into how someone is feeling.

  • o

  • The final stage of onboarding an employee, which should answer the five questions: What do we believe in around here? What are my strengths? What is my role? Who are my partners? What do my growth opportunities at the organization look like?
  • The process of introducing a new employee to the organization and helping them adjust to the new environment.
  • Online workspaces (e.g. Slack) used for networking.
  • This term describes a person who was born deaf or became deaf before learning to speak, but is taught to speak and may not typically use American Sign Language.
  • The stage during the new student employee’s first couple of days that provides key information they will need to know throughout the term of their employment.

  • p

  • A meeting between managers and student employees to discuss longer-range goals and provide quality feedback to each other.
  • People-first language avoids defining a person in term of their disability. In most cases, this entails placing the reference to the disability after a reference to a person, as in “a person with a disability,” or “a person living with a disability,” rather than “the disabled person.” In North America, "person with a disability" is the preferred reference as the person is not defined by their disability. Note that people-first language is not preferred by all people with disabilities.(...)
  • An approach to understanding an individual or situation by imagining or considering it from different perspectives.
  • The period of time between when an employee signs or accepts their job offer to their first day.
  • Short phone calls that typically last about 15-20 minutes to answer any questions the candidate may have about the position and to find out more information about the candidate.

  • r

  • The act of looking for and hiring qualified individuals for a role.
  • A type of communication that constructively leads to improvement on performance or behaviour.
  • Communicating what is going well with using  positive language that focuses on giving praise, showing appreciation and giving compliments.

  • s

  • Employees reflecting on their own performance before receiving feedback from a manager.
  • The skill of managing feelings so that they don't reach overwhelming levels and interfere with work, responsibilities, listening, stress, etc. This can be achieved through adjusting the environment, as well as through repetitive movements, noises, actions, etc. (tapping, rocking in a chair, hand flapping, clearing throat, etc.) Regarding Autism & Neurodiversity, it can also be referred to as “stimming”.
  • Service animals help people with disabilities to overcome a variety of barriers, much like a white cane or a wheelchair. For example, they may guide a person with low vision, alert their owner who is hard of hearing to sounds, or keep a child with autism from running into danger. Service animals do not necessarily wear a vest or have certified training.
  • A process used to assess a person’s knowledge, skills, and abilities for a particular job or task.
  • Online platforms, such as LinkedIn, used to expand one's network.
  • These terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or has a reduced quality of life. It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability. For example: “He has muscular dystrophy” or “she is living with chronic pain”.
  • Systemic barriers are policies, practices or procedures that result in some people receiving unequal access or being excluded.

  • t

  • This occurs when technology, or the way it is used, cannot be accessed by people with disabilities. For example, websites not accessible to people who are blind and use screen reader software.
  • An assistive device that helps persons who are unable to speak or hear to communicate by phone. The person types their messages on the TTY keyboard, and messages are sent using telephone lines to someone who has a TTY, or to an operator who passes the message along to someone who does not have a TTY.
  • An emotional or physical response triggered when an individual perceives a potential threat.
  • Tailored programs created to understand the learning styles and needs of neurodiverse individuals.

  • u

  • The design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.

  • v

  • Expressing agreement or understanding of what someone has said.

  • w

  • The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the internationally recognised standard for website accessibility, created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The first version of WCAG was published in 1999 as WCAG 1.0. The most recent version, released in 2018, is WCAG 2.1 which includes everything in the previous version, WCAG 2.0, plus additional support for web content on mobile devices.
  • Benefits provided by employers to promote employee health and well-being.
  • People who use mobility equipment such as a wheelchair, scooter or cane consider the equipment part of their personal space. They can have widely different disabilities and varying abilities. It is acceptable to describe a person as a “wheelchair user” or “someone who uses a wheelchair,” followed by an explanation of why the equipment is required. Avoid “confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair-bound” as these terms describe a person only in relationship to a piece of equipment. The terms(...)
  • A form of curricular experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization, and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of student learning objectives and outcomes related to: employability, agency, knowledge and skill mobility and life-long learning.
  • Enables persons who are deaf to read, by means of a sign language interpreter, what others hear in a video presentation or broadcast. The interpreter appears in a corner or “window” in the screen, translating spoken word to sign language. Windowing may include open or closed captioning.
  • Slack, Teams, etc.
  • A three-step approach to preventing burnout in employees.
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