disabled vs handicapped

Both 'disabled' and 'handicapped' are used to refer to people with physical or mental disabilities, but 'disabled' is more commonly used and considered more respectful. 'Handicapped' is considered outdated and may be seen as offensive by some people.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1152 views

This is a commonly used and respectful term to refer to people with disabilities.

"disabled"

Use 'disabled' to refer to people with physical or mental disabilities. It is considered more respectful and widely accepted.

Examples:

She is disabled and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
The organization provides support for disabled individuals.

Show examples from the web [+]

The disabled usually get abused by family members.
Full inclusion of disabled children should be highlighted.
Captain Pike, your transporter has been disabled.
Whatever Crichton did... he disabled the sequence of commands I was building up.
Just me and four astonishingly gifted disabled musicians.
My other point concerns disabled passengers.
Such groups include the elderly and the disabled.
An appropriate amount is included for disabled visitors.
Priority for boarding shall be given to disabled passengers or to those with special needs.
Yes, just your basic disabled loo.
I will... take down all the disabled ramps.
We know that you've disabled All but one phone line.
He wanted to help the disabled by stimulating nerve repair And cell rejuvenation.
I disabled the camera before I grabbed him.
In 1939, Hitler had authorised a scheme by which severely disabled children could be murdered.
This provision shall apply equally to directory enquiry services for disabled users.
The Directive also includes provisions concerning certain aspects of terminal equipment intended to facilitate access for disabled end-users.
It must also be possible for disabled users to access this service.
Many disabled citizens experience problems abroad, such as being unable to use disabled parking spaces.
Yarborough disabled the electrical system and you robbed the ship.

Alternatives:

person with a disability
differently abled
challenged
special needs individual
handicapped person

'Handicapped' is considered outdated and may be seen as offensive by some people.

"handicapped"

Avoid using 'handicapped' to refer to people with disabilities as it is considered outdated and potentially offensive. Instead, use 'disabled' or other more respectful terms.

Examples:

He prefers not to be called handicapped.
The term 'handicapped' is no longer widely used.

Show examples from the web [+]

People aren't charitable when employing the handicapped.
Brickleberry Park is currently inaccessible to my handicapped client.
She and mackenzie locked a handicapped boy.
Since he has become a handicapped now.
Say I'm handicapped on the request.
I don't get the handicapped reference.
Problem is, he's handicapped.
Do not taunt your handicapped brother when the investors arrive.
You know, we-we don't understand why you choose to remain handicapped.
Look, what you've done for fun a man has become handicapped.
He was trying to help some handicapped girl up to the bleachers, and he fell.
It also covers installations and equipment for handicapped officials.
There were deficiencies in monitoring data which handicapped evaluation.
It also covers interpreting equipment and installations for handicapped people.
It also covers installations and equipment for handicapped officials.
You were gambling on handicapped people and you lost my son.
Daycare services for handicapped children and young people
Who parked in the handicapped zone?
Beth stopped using the handicapped bus Five months ago.
He can be handicapped for the rest of his life.

Alternatives:

disabled
person with a disability
differently abled
challenged
special needs individual

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

disabled vs handicapped

"disabled"

"handicapped"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text