Glossary of Terms

Accessibility — extent to which products, systems, services, environments and facilities can be used by people from a population with the widest range of user needs, characteristics and capabilities to achieve identified goals in identified contexts of use. [Sourced ISO 21902].

Accessible meetings and events — organising meeting and events so that everyone can participate. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has guidance on making meetings and events accessible. Find more at Accessible meetings and events 

Alternate formats — different ways of presenting information and conducting communication. Find more at Alternate Formats

Braille is a system of raised dots. It is the primary literacy medium for people who are blind, deafblind, or have severe low vision. There are different types of Braille that may be requested.

Described Video is when a narrator reads action scenes and on-screen text.

Digital Audio can be in MP3 format, with human voice.

ePUB is an electronic book format.

E-Text a document that is read in digital form.

Large Print is print enlargement on paper.

Video Captioning is the translation of audio into subtitles that usually appear on the bottom of the screen.

Alternative (Alt) Text — text associated with images or media that conveys the same essential information as the image. Screen readers announce alternative (Alt) text in place of images. Find more at Alternative Text

Assistive Technology — equipment, product system, hardware, software or service that is used to increase, maintain or improve capabilities of individuals. [Sourced ISO/ IEC Guide 71:2014/ 2021].

Colour Contrast Analyser — is a tool that examines the contrast between two colours and evaluates the contrast levels. Find more at page Colour Contrast Analyser

Communication — 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. [Sourced Article 2 of UNCRPD].

Easy to Read — is shortened and simplified text that is supported by images. The images help explain the text making it easier to read and understand. Find more at Easy to Read

Irish Sign Language (ISL) — is the sign language used by the majority of the Deaf community in the State. [Sourced ISL Act 2017]. Find more at Communicating with persons who use Irish Sign Language.

Irish Text Relay Service (ITRS) — translates text into voice and voice into text. Find more at Irish Text Relay Service

Plain language — A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. [Sourced The International Plain Language Federation]. Find more on plain English and plain Irish at plain language

Public Sector Duty — The Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty places a statutory obligation on public bodies to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of the public sector staff and service users and inclusive communication is key to meeting these obligations. Find more at Public Sector Duty

Quality Customer Service Initiative (QCSI) — aims to improve design and delivery of public services and how public service organisations engage with customers. It is based on 12 ‘Guiding Principles’ for Quality Customer Service, which underpin the design and delivery of all public services in Ireland. The Quality Customer Service Network develops, promotes and implements the QCSI. [Sourced gov.ie].

Readability checker — is a tool that generates a score to show how easy it is for a reader to understand written text. Find more at Readability Checkers

Universal Design — is 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 or disability. Find more at Universal Design

Web Accessibility — means that websites, tools and technologies are designed and developed so that people with diverse abilities can use them. [Sourced W3C]. Find more at Web Accessibility