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Glossary
Accessibility terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
1
- 1:12 slope
- One inch of rise for every 12 inches of ramp, the ADA maximum. Read the guide →
A
- Accepts assignment
- A supplier that agrees to the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. Read the guide →
- Adaptive footwear
- Shoes with design features such as wide openings or adjustable closures; fit and brace compatibility vary by model. Read the guide →
- Adaptive tricycle
- A three-wheel cycle configured with model-specific seating, fit adjustments or rider supports. Read the guide →
- Air-cell cushion
- A wheelchair cushion with air sections that can be adjusted according to its design and instructions. Read the guide →
- Alert transmitter
- A device that detects an event such as a doorbell or smoke alarm and sends a signal to a compatible receiver. Read the guide →
- Automatic door operator
- Powered hardware that opens or assists with opening a door after a control or sensor activates it. Read the guide →
B
- Bed shaker
- A wired vibrating device connected to a compatible alert receiver to provide a tactile signal near a bed. Read the guide →
- Blocking
- Wood installed between studs to anchor grab bars and fixtures. Read the guide →
- Built-up handle
- A thicker utensil grip that changes how a person holds a fork, spoon or kitchen tool. Read the guide →
C
- Clear doorway width
- The usable opening between the door face and stop with a swinging door open 90 degrees under the 2010 ADA Standards. Read the guide →
- Custom curved rail
- A stairlift rail measured and made for a staircase with turns or landings. Read the guide →
D
- DME
- Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, covered by Medicare Part B. Read the guide →
- Dressing stick
- A dressing aid with a hook or shaped end for pulling on or pushing off clothing. Read the guide →
H
- Heaviest-piece weight
- The weight of the heaviest removable section of a travel scooter. Read the guide →
L
- Landing
- A level area at the top, bottom or turn of a ramp. Read the guide →
M
- Modular ramp system
- A site-configured route assembled from ramp sections and platforms; layout and installation depend on the location. Read the guide →
O
- OTC hearing aid
- A hearing aid sold without a prescription to adults with perceived mild to moderate loss. Read the guide →
P
- Pneumatic tire
- A tire that contains air and is checked according to the exact product manual and tire marking. Read the guide →
- Portable ramp
- A ramp designed to be carried or stored between uses; length, weight, capacity and securing method vary by model. Read the guide →
- Preparation board
- A kitchen board with grips, jaws or other holders that keep food or tools positioned during prep. Read the guide →
- PSAP
- A personal sound amplification product, not a hearing aid. Read the guide →
Q
- Quad cane
- A cane with a multi-point base; fit and base placement affect how it works for the user. Read the guide →
R
- Raised toilet seat
- A removable seat or riser that adds model-specific height to an existing toilet. Read the guide →
- Reacher
- A handled device with a grasping jaw for picking up or moving objects within its model-specific capacity. Read the guide →
- Rollator
- A wheeled walker with hand brakes, usually with a seat. Read the guide →
S
- Sealed lead-acid battery
- A rechargeable mobility-device battery type that can use AGM or gel construction, depending on the model. Read the guide →
- Seat width
- The width of a wheelchair seat, usually hip width plus 1 to 2 inches. Read the guide →
- Seating assessment
- An evaluation by a therapist to fit a wheelchair and cushion. Read the guide →
- Shower chair
- A seat designed to sit within a shower or bathing area; dimensions and capacity vary by model. Read the guide →
- Sling seat
- A flexible wheelchair seat suspended from the frame; cushion bases may need to match its shape. Read the guide →
- Switch scanning
- An access method that highlights selectable screen items in sequence for selection by a switch. Read the guide →
T
- Threshold ramp
- A small ramp that bridges a doorway threshold or low step. Read the guide →
- Toilet safety frame
- A frame mounted around or at a toilet with arm supports; fit and attachment vary by product. Read the guide →
- Tongue weight
- The downward load a trailer hitch receiver is rated to carry; verify the exact vehicle and lift setup. Read the guide →
- Transfer bench
- A bath seat that extends across a tub wall, with part of the frame inside and part outside the bathing area. Read the guide →
- Transport chair
- A light wheelchair with small wheels, pushed by a companion. Read the guide →
- Turning radius
- The space a specific mobility device needs to complete a turn. Read the guide →
V
- Vehicle conversion
- A vehicle modification such as a lowered floor, ramp, seating or securement equipment for wheelchair access. Read the guide →
- Vertical platform lift
- A lift that carries a person on a platform between landings; capacity and platform size vary by model. Read the guide →
- Video magnifier
- A camera and screen that magnify print, also called a CCTV. Read the guide →
W
- Wheelchair cross-brace
- The folding support mechanism that lets a folding wheelchair frame collapse across its width. Read the guide →