differently abled

 

adjective

chiefly North American
  • disabled: we are not disabled, we are differently abled (as plural noun the differently abled) the oppression of the differently abled

Differently abled was first proposed (in the 1980s) as an alternative to disabled, handicapped, etc. on the grounds that it gave a more positive message and so avoided discrimination towards people with disabilities. The term has gained little currency, however, and has been criticized as both over-euphemistic and condescending. The accepted term in general use is still disabled.