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 'Handicapped' is considered outdated and may be seen as offensive by some people.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 • 1174 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'Handicapped' is considered outdated and may be seen as offensive by some people.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Avoid using 'handicapped' to refer to people with disabilities as it is considered outdated and potentially offensive.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

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disabled vs handicapped

"disabled"

"handicapped"

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