Glossary of Terms and Concepts Related to LD

Abbreviation Expansion - the abbreviation for a word can be entered and the computer program will automatically write in the full word

Achievement Test - formal test which determines the person's present level of performance or academic skills (such as math, reading, etc.)

Alternate Keyboards - a variety of keyboards different from a standard regular keyboard. It includes on-screen keyboards or membrane keyboards with special overlays

Amplification System - a system whereby the teacher/presenter wears a microphone and it is amplified and transmitted throughout a room

Assistive Technology - any type of technology used to assist individuals with disabilities in living more independent and productive lives

Attention Deficit Disorder - a diagnosed exceptionality which causes the person to have trouble concentrating and focusing on what they are doing

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-a diagnosed exceptionality which causes the person to have difficulty concentration and focusing and the person is hyperactive

Auditory Discrimination - ability to distinguish between sounds when they are alone or in words

CD-ROM Books - books or stories which are narrated on a CD-Rom

Color Overlays- a piece of clear plastic in an assortment of different colors which helps the person see the page more clearly

Comprehension - creating meaning and understanding of what has been read

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) - use of computer software to learn new information or practice skills

Dyslexia - most well known Learning Disability. It's related to spelling, reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Dysgraphia - problems with writing and forming letters

Dyscalculia - problems with math concepts and problem solving

Dyspraxia - problem with body's physical coordination and responses

Electronic Books - books that are prepared as text files for the computer

Electronic Organizers - devices used to keep tack of dates, addresses, phone numbers, and sometimes has a calculator

Fine Motor (Skills) - describes body movements which involve using small muscles such as those in the hands and wrists

Fluency - being able to read smoothly and quickly

Graphic Organizers - a visual strategy for organizing ideas ( ex. thought webs )

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test - measure of the person's potential to learn. It includes verbal and performance tests.

Key Guard - a plastic overlay that fits over a keyboard and separates and divides the keys so that the user does not hit unnecessary keys

NCR Paper- sometimes called carbonless paper. Two sheets of paper are attached to each other and when the note taker writes on the top sheet it copies on the second sheet

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software - software that changes a scanned image into a text document

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) - portable electronic planners that store information such as times, dates, phone numbers, addresses and assignments

Processing Skills - skills involving the brains ability to take information, evaluate it, and use it effectively

Reading Machines - a machine that scans a page from a book and reads it aloud. It uses OCR and text reading synthesis.

Reading Pen - a pen-like instrument that when passed over a word scans it and pronounces it. It can also give a definition

Reading Windows - piece of paper or plastic that has a small opening where you can see and read words. It keeps you focused on what you are reading

Text Reading Software (a.k.a. text to speech software) - a program which reads text files with the use of a speech synthesizer

Visual Perception- when you take information in through your eyes and you identify, organize and interpret it

Voice to Text Software - the user speaks into the microphone attached to the computer and their speech is converted to text

Word Identification - recognizing words

Word Prediction - when a user enters the beginning letters for a word they are given a list of possible words that they may pick from. they just enter the number associated with the word and it is automatically typed in.

Reprinted from: http://www.hhm.k12.nf.ca/grassroots/learn-dis/learning%20disabilities.html