Glossary and Definitions of Disability, Health and Medical Terms | Publications
Summary: Our "Glossary and Definitions of Disability, Health and Medical Terms" database at Disabled World (DW) encompasses a wide array of publications that provide definitions and explanations of terms related to disabilities, health, and medical fields. This includes glossaries of adaptive and assistive technology terms, definitions of neurological diseases and disorders, lists of healthcare and medical acronyms and abbreviations, and explanations of models of disability. These resources aim to clarify complex terminology, thereby enhancing understanding and communication within the disability and health communities.
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| Title and Description | Ed | Publish Revised |
|---|---|---|
| Models of Abnormality and Their Impact on Disability Examines the major models of abnormality in psychology and how biological, behavioral, cognitive, and sociocultural frameworks shape our understanding of disability. | ✓ ✓ | 25 Feb 2026 |
| The Word Dunce: Historical Origins, Modern Usage, and Social Impact How the word dunce transformed from honoring a brilliant philosopher to becoming a harmful insult that affects people with disabilities and seniors today. | ✓ ✓ | 2 Feb 2026 |
| Understanding Panzootics: Definition and Implications for Animal and Human Health Comprehensive definition and analysis of panzootics, their drivers, examples, and global health implications, emphasizing prevention and interdisciplinary solutions. | ✓ ✓ | 16 Jan 2025 7 Feb 2025 |
| List of Generation Names by Year and Definition A clear guide to generation names and years, linking history to traits - great for all ages, including seniors, to explore cultural shifts and personal ties. | ✓ ✓ | 27 Feb 2023 2 Jun 2026 |
| Human Diseases and Disorders Acronyms List of acronyms, abbreviations, and initials that relate to human diseases and includes both infectious and non-infectious diseases and medical disorders. | ✓ ✓ | 6 Jun 2020 20 Dec 2025 |
| Diversability: What Does the Word Mean? Exploring Diversability, a movement redefining disability by emphasizing individual uniqueness and potential, and its implications for societal inclusion. | ✓ ✓ | 23 Mar 2019 24 Mar 2025 |
| List of Healthcare and Medical Acronyms A detailed list of disability, healthcare, and senior care acronyms, helping individuals, caregivers, and professionals understand essential terminology. | ✓ ✓ | 21 Mar 2019 20 Dec 2025 |
| Definitions of Human Brain Components Glossary and explanation of words used to define various parts and actions relating to the human brain. | ✓ ✓ | 21 Dec 2017 27 Feb 2025 |
| Common Vocabulary Terms That May Seem The Same But Are Different Confusion can extend from psychological terms that are commonly assumed to be similar, if not identical, but which in fact refer to very different concepts. | 11 Sep 2017 1 Jun 2024 | |
| Glossary of Adaptive & Assistive Technology Terms for Accessibility Defines adaptive and assistive technology terms, aiding accessibility for disabled individuals and seniors through tools for daily living, mobility, and communication. | ✓ ✓ | 24 Sep 2016 23 Apr 2025 |
| Disability Pride: Defining Identity, Flag Symbolism & Inclusive Impact Defines Disability Pride, explains the flag's symbolism, and explores how it fosters inclusion for disabled individuals and seniors. | ✓ ✓ | 3 Jul 2015 17 Jun 2026 |
| Neurological Diseases and Disorders List Alphabetical list of Human Neurological Conditions, including short definitions for each type of disease or disorder. | ✓ ✓ | 8 Apr 2015 8 May 2026 |
| Bioethics: Core Principles for Medical Ethics Bioethics definition, principles, and applications in medicine covering the four key ethical frameworks for healthcare decision-making. | ✓ ✓ | 16 Feb 2015 25 Jun 2025 |
| Definitions of Telemedicine Fields Glossary list and descriptions of various fields and terms used in Telemedicine electronic communication. | 23 Jan 2015 23 Feb 2023 | |
| Post-2015 Development Agenda - Brief Outline and Definition A brief outline of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, a process led by the United Nations. | 23 Sep 2014 7 Nov 2021 | |
| Sheltered Workshops: History, Definition, and Debate Sheltered workshops provide specialized employment for people with disabilities through supervised work environments, but face criticism over wages and segregation. | ✓ ✓ | 18 Feb 2014 22 Jan 2026 |
| Social Security Disability Terminology List A list of disability terms used by US department of Social Security and what they mean. | 6 Jun 2013 11 Nov 2021 | |
| ADA Accessibility Glossary: Key Terms for Inclusive Design Compliance ADA accessibility terms defined: Legal standards, design principles, and practical guidance for inclusive spaces. | ✓ ✓ | 5 Jun 2013 23 Apr 2025 |
| Hospital Departments List and Section Definitions Definitions and descriptions of the most common hospital departments and the services provided by each section. | ✓ | 6 Mar 2013 19 Feb 2025 |
| Hemiplegia Definition and Information Hemiplegia is a condition which affects one side of the body only - hemi comes from the Greek word meaning half. | 24 Jan 2012 24 Oct 2021 | |
| What is Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) Disability adjusted life year (DALY) is a measure of overall disease burden expressed as the number of years lost due to ill-health disability or early death. | 7 Nov 2011 5 Dec 2021 | |
| Disability or Disabled? Which Term is Right? This article explains disability terminology debates, identity vs. person-first language, and why respectful word choices matter in disability discussions. | ✓ ✓ | 1 Sep 2011 28 Mar 2026 |
| Understanding Paraplegia: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower body and legs caused by spinal cord injury or congenital conditions, affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. | ✓ ✓ | 9 Oct 2010 5 Jan 2026 |
| Understanding Quadriplegia: Causes and Complications Quadriplegia is paralysis affecting all four limbs and torso, caused by cervical spinal cord injury or illness, resulting in loss of movement and sensation. | ✓ ✓ | 26 Sep 2010 5 Jan 2026 |
| Models of Disability: Types, Frameworks and Meanings An authoritative reference to the medical, social, identity, minority, economic and human rights models of disability and how each shapes attitudes and policy. | ✓ ✓ | 10 Sep 2010 2 Jun 2026 |
| AAIDD Definition of Intellectual Disability The AAIDD definition of intellectual disability cited in SSA proposed revision of medical criteria for evaluating mental disorders. | ✓ | 7 Sep 2010 13 Feb 2025 |
| Glossary of Stairlift Terms for Accessibility Needs Comprehensive glossary explaining stairlift terms and features, helping users, seniors, and caregivers understand options for safe home mobility. | ✓ ✓ | 30 Jun 2010 23 Apr 2025 |
| Understanding Disability: Global Definitions, Rights, and Societal Impacts Global definitions of disability from WHO, ADA, and DDA, covering impairments, rights, and societal impacts for individuals and policymakers. | ✓ ✓ | 23 Dec 2009 23 Apr 2025 |
| Definition of Back Pain Terms Alphabetical list of definition covering the various terms used to describe the many different types of back pain. | 5 Sep 2009 9 Feb 2022 | |
| Definition of Online Copyright Materials The use of copyrighted materials available on the Internet requires a certain amount of understanding and awareness related to several things. | 1 May 2009 19 Feb 2023 | |
| Comprehensive Glossary of Dental Terms and Definitions Comprehensive glossary explaining dental terms and procedures, enhancing understanding for patients, caregivers, and dental professionals alike. | ✓ ✓ | 17 Mar 2009 11 May 2025 |
| Prostate Health Basics: Glossary of Key Terms and Treatments Comprehensive prostate health glossary defining 80+ medical terms, procedures, and conditions in accessible language for patients and caregivers. | ✓ ✓ | 18 Feb 2009 7 Aug 2025 |
| Glossary of US Veteran Affairs Definitions Glossary of U.S. department of veterans affairs (VA) terms and definitions. | 17 Feb 2009 25 Feb 2023 | |
| Glossary of Environmental Health Terms Glossary of terms and definitions used in government reports, engineering studies, and health literature both online and off. | 17 Feb 2009 25 Feb 2023 | |
| Medical vs. Social Models: Redefining Disability Today This article explains how medical and social models uniquely shape our understanding of disability and why removing societal barriers is key. | ✓ ✓ | 15 Jan 2009 14 Jun 2025 |
| Definition of the ADA The goal of the ADA is to ensure no person with a disability is turned down for a job or promotion or refused entry to a public access area. | 14 Jan 2009 22 Jan 2009 | |
| Definition of Sensory Integration The field of Sensory Integration exists as both a theory of neurological function and the process of the human body and mind. | 13 Jan 2009 22 Mar 2019 | |
| Definitions and Pronunciation of Medical Terminology A-to-Z medical glossary with pronunciation guides, definitions of conditions, treatments, and anatomical terms for patients, caregivers, and professionals. | ✓ ✓ | 11 Jan 2009 27 Feb 2025 |
| List of Phobias: Definitions and Descriptions List and definitions of both rare and common fears and phobias in children and adults. | 11 Jan 2009 1 Dec 2023 | |
| Glossary of Gerontology Terms and Definitions Comprehensive glossary of gerontology terms clarifying aging-related concepts for seniors, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. | ✓ ✓ | 11 Jan 2009 27 Feb 2025 |
| Special Education Acronyms and Their Meanings Comprehensive guide to special education acronyms: essential resource for parents, educators, and professionals working with individuals with disabilities. | ✓ ✓ | 31 Dec 2008 27 Feb 2025 |
| List of Types of Cancer and Tumors in Humans Cancer, also called malignancy, is characterized by an abnormal growth of cells. Here is a list of names of nearly all types of cancers which can effect the human body. | 30 Dec 2008 25 Dec 2023 | |
| Caregiver (Carer) Glossary of Terms and Their Meanings Comprehensive glossary defining essential caregiving terms, aiding individuals with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers in understanding and communication. | ✓ ✓ | 10 Dec 2008 27 Feb 2025 |
Note: Disabled World compiles disability-related publications as a resource. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Disabled-World.com. To submit disability-related articles and peer-reviewed manuscripts and papers, ensure submissions comply with our guidelines. For questions, please contact us.
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