handicapped person

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: A person who has a physical, mental, or social condition that significantly limits their ability to function in one or more major life activities.

Usage

This term is used to describe an individual whose capacities are substantially restricted by an impairment. It focuses on the condition's limiting effect on a person's functioning. * The new building was designed to be fully accessible for the handicapped person. * As a handicapped person, she advocated for better public transportation options.

Advanced Usage
  • "to be handicapped": This adjectival phrase describes the state of having a disability. It is now often considered outdated or offensive when used to label a person directly (e.g., "a handicapped person"). Preferred modern language uses "person-first" (e.g., "a person with a disability") or identity-first language (e.g., "a disabled person").
    • The old forms asked if any applicant was handicapped.
Variants and Related Words
  • Handicap (noun): The condition that restricts function; a disadvantage.
    • His loss of hearing was a significant handicap in the meeting.
  • Handicap (verb): To place at a disadvantage; to hinder.
    • The team was handicapped by the loss of their best player.
  • Handicapped (adjective): Having a disability. (See note in Advanced Usage regarding modern preference).
    • They installed handicapped parking spaces.
Synonyms
  • Person with a disability: A more modern, person-first alternative.
  • Disabled person: An identity-first alternative commonly used within disability communities.
  • Person with special needs: A broader term often used in educational or care contexts.
Related Phrases
  • Physically handicapped: Specifies a disability that is primarily physical or motor in nature. (Note: "person with a physical disability" is the modern preferred term).
  • Mentally handicapped: Specifies a disability that is primarily cognitive or intellectual. (Note: This term is now widely considered offensive. "Person with an intellectual disability" or "person with a cognitive disability" are preferred).
Noun
  1. a person who has some condition that markedly restricts their ability to function physically or mentally or socially