Please note: The FAME glossary is not intended to be a completely comprehensive index of all disabilities or disability-related terminology. For a more complete listing, please consult the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition, Text Revised (DSM-IV TR), available in libraries and bookstores nationwide. Alternatively, you may also consult resources from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) publications. Please also see our Supplemental Resources pages in the Rights and Responsibilities module for more information.
Case Descriptions
Often synonymous with “case studies” in research, an individual, group, or organization is explored in depth and usually over time to track nuances or to monitor progress. For this purpose, case descriptions can involve extensive, multiple observation or data collection points. Case descriptions can also consist of one, two, or perhaps several extensive, complex interviews with the person, group, or organization in question.top
CCTV
An enlarging device composed of a zoom lens and large TV screen.top
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental disorder affecting muscle tone and characterized by the fluctuating ability to move or maintain balance. Can include stiff, awkward movements or uncontrollable movements.top
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
A mysterious and puzzling disorder that causes severe and prolonged tiredness and fatigue. The exact cause is not known, but symptoms may include: headache, fever, fatigue, muscle weakness, body and muscle aches, swollen or tender lymph nodes, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. Its symptoms can resemble fibromyalgia.top
Classroom Climate
Refers to the physical, psychological-sociological, and instructional components of a learning environment. All learners have optimal conditions under which they learn best. The physical and instructional components are most often examined. Yet, the psycho-sociological components are equally important as they relate to social acceptance.top
Climate Assessment
Referring to higher education, the systematic process of addressing a research question or testing a stated hypothesis for the purposes of improving or monitoring programs and/or yielding knowledge to better serve the target population (see definition). Typically on college campuses, the target population refers to students, but it can refer to other key groups such as faculty, administrators, service personnel, etc. The climate assessment process can be very useful in tracking the retention and experiences of underrepresented groups on campus, especially students with disabilities.top
Communication Disorder
Disorder affecting social interaction and/or certain classroom performances. Characterized by voice impairment, articulation impairment, or stuttering.top
Comprehensive Syllabus
At a minimum, a comprehensive syllabus includes information on the following: course description, text books and required readings, organization and methods of instruction, chronological outline of topics and required readings, explanation of specific assignments, office hours and class procedures, other handouts to consider, as well as a statement of course material being available in alternate format, and a statement regarding process for notifying instructor of necessary accommodations.top
Cooperative Group Projects
Students work together to accomplish shared learning goals.top
Crohn's Disease
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract, most commonly in the small intestine. Can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Symptoms can flare up at any time.top
