Glossary and Definitions of Disability, Health and Medical Terms: Publications and Documents
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.Searching the Database
The data table below lists items that may have been updated or revised, but the table defaults to sorting by descending publication date; you can search and sort by clicking column headers (JavaScript required). Items in this category are also distributed via our Glossary and Definitions of Disability, Health and Medical Terms RSS feed.
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Diversability: What Does the Word Mean? Exploring Diversability, a movement redefining disability by emphasizing individual uniqueness and potential, and its implications for societal inclusion. | ✓ ✓ | |
| List of Healthcare and Medical Acronyms A detailed list of disability, healthcare, and senior care acronyms, helping individuals, caregivers, and professionals understand essential terminology. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Definitions of Human Brain Components A plain-language glossary defining human brain components such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, neurons, amygdala, hippocampus, and their key functions. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ||
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Neurological Diseases and Disorders List Alphabetical list of Human Neurological Conditions, including short definitions for each type of disease or disorder. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Bioethics: Core Principles for Medical Ethics Bioethics definition, principles, and applications in medicine covering the four key ethical frameworks for healthcare decision-making. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Definitions of Telemedicine Fields Glossary list and descriptions of various fields and terms used in Telemedicine electronic communication. | ||
| Post-2015 Development Agenda - Brief Outline and Definition A brief outline of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, a process led by the United Nations. | ||
| Sheltered Workshops: History, Definition, and Debate A historical look at sheltered workshops for people with disabilities, tracing their origins, purpose, and the ongoing debate over subminimum wages and segregation. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Social Security Disability Terminology List A list of disability terms used by US department of Social Security and what they mean. | ||
| ADA Accessibility Glossary: Key Terms for Inclusive Design Compliance ADA accessibility terms defined: Legal standards, design principles, and practical guidance for inclusive spaces. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Hospital Departments List and Section Definitions Definitions and descriptions of the most common hospital departments and the services provided by each section. | ✓ | |
| Hemiplegia Definition and Information Hemiplegia is a condition which affects one side of the body only - hemi comes from the Greek word meaning half. | ||
| Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY): What It Means A clear guide to the Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY), the WHO metric combining years of life lost and years lived with disability to gauge disease burden. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| AAIDD Definition of Intellectual Disability The AAIDD definition of intellectual disability cited in SSA proposed revision of medical criteria for evaluating mental disorders. | ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Definition of Back Pain Terms Alphabetical list of definition covering the various terms used to describe the many different types of back pain. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Comprehensive Glossary of Dental Terms and Definitions Comprehensive glossary explaining dental terms and procedures, enhancing understanding for patients, caregivers, and dental professionals alike. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Glossary of US Veteran Affairs Definitions Glossary of U.S. department of veterans affairs (VA) terms and definitions. | ||
| Glossary of Environmental Health Terms Glossary of terms and definitions used in government reports, engineering studies, and health literature both online and off. | ||
| Medical vs. Social Models: Redefining Disability Today A clear comparison of the medical and social models of disability, showing how impairments and societal barriers each shape participation and inclusion today. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 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. | ✓ ✓ | |
| List of Phobias: Definitions and Descriptions List and definitions of both rare and common fears and phobias in children and adults. | ||
| Glossary of Gerontology Terms and Definitions Comprehensive glossary of gerontology terms clarifying aging-related concepts for seniors, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. | ✓ ✓ | |
| Special Education Acronyms and Their Meanings Comprehensive guide to special education acronyms: essential resource for parents, educators, and professionals working with individuals with disabilities. | ✓ ✓ | |
| 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. | ||
| 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. | ✓ ✓ |
Key: the first check mark indicates the publication carries an editor's note; the second indicates a footnote.
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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