visually impaired vs visually handicapped

Both 'visually impaired' and 'visually handicapped' are correct phrases used to refer to individuals with vision loss. However, 'visually impaired' is more commonly used and considered more respectful and inclusive. 'Visually handicapped' may be seen as outdated or less preferred.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 608 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to individuals with vision loss.

"visually impaired "

This term is used to describe individuals who have difficulty seeing or are partially or completely blind. It is considered more respectful and inclusive than some other terms.

Examples:

The school provides resources for visually impaired students.
She is visually impaired and uses a guide dog for assistance.

Show examples from the web [+]

Subject: Accessibility of digital services for the visually impaired
It allows for concrete progress and monitoring of the effectiveness of measures in favour of visually impaired persons on an international level.
Must be for the visually impaired.
Hello, my name is Dennis Hong, and we're bringing freedom and independence to the blind by building a vehicle for the visually impaired.
Subject: Harmonisation of EU legislation for the visually impaired
Subject: Adaptation of digital terrestrial television for the visually impaired
Many groups, owing to economic or geographic reasons or special needs (e.g. the visually impaired or the elderly) are often excluded from modern communications.
Subject: Rights of the visually impaired
The visually impaired have the right to live an independent life and participate fully in society.
Those people who are blind or visually impaired, on the other hand, will not benefit.
Mr President, I should also like to stress that it is equally important to have postal services for the visually impaired and the blind.
In respect of blind and visually impaired persons, the provisions of this Article shall be applied using appropriate alternative means.
The answer is that the use of these coins must be made easier for the visually impaired and the blind.
In order to ensure that the principle of equal treatment is known, respected and effectively applied, wide-ranging information campaigns are needed using appropriate means such as sign language or special websites for the visually impaired.
In conclusion, as I have already stated in this House, the euro notes must be friendly to the visually impaired.
Consequently, the preoccupations of the visually impaired have been very, very largely, I would say almost entirely, taken into consideration.
The FORSTEO is not recommended for use by the blind or visually impaired persons without the assistance of a person trained in the proper use of the device.
techniques for escorting visually impaired passengers and for the handling and carriage of recognised assistance dogs;
Does the Commission make available copies of the EU Treaty or any information booklets written in Braille for the visually impaired?
what representations have been made to the industry with a view to companies taking account of the rights of the visually impaired and their entitlement to information; 2.

Alternatives:

sight impaired
partially sighted
blind

This phrase is also correct but may be seen as outdated or less preferred compared to 'visually impaired'.

" visually handicapped"

This term is used to describe individuals with vision loss, but it is less commonly used and may not be considered as respectful or inclusive as 'visually impaired'.

Examples:

The organization provides support for visually handicapped individuals.
He is visually handicapped and uses a white cane for mobility.

Show examples from the web [+]

Heading 1 Heading 2 Heading 3 User defined stylesheets allow increased accessibility for visually handicapped people.
That is why the June Movement has tabled amendments, seeking to ensure that for example the visually handicapped have the same free access as everyone else to material in libraries when the purpose is not commercial.
The ECB welcomes the proposed amendments, which will reduce the risk of fraud involving vending machines and the risk of confusion for blind and visually handicapped people.
Is the Commission satisfied that its website is fully accessible and user-friendly for visually-handicapped citizens, who may compose up to 20% of our society?
28,000 kits containing dummies of the new euro banknotes are now ready to be distributed to trainers of the blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing as well as the mentally handicapped in the euro area.

Alternatives:

sight handicapped
partially blind
low vision

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visually impaired vs visually handicapped