The concepts of "disability" and "handicapped" are related but have distinct meanings, and

understanding the difference is important for respectful and accurate communication.

Disability: A disability refers to a physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairment that substantially
limits one or more major life activities. It can be permanent or temporary, visible or invisible. Disabilities
can affect a person’s ability to move, see, hear, communicate, learn, or engage in daily activities. The
term focuses on the individual’s functional limitations relative to societal norms or expectations, not as a
personal shortcoming but as a reality that may require accommodations.

Handicapped: This term is considered outdated and less preferred today, as it can carry negative
connotations. Historically, "handicap" referred to a disadvantage imposed by societal or environmental
barriers, rather than the impairment itself. For example, if a building lacks a ramp, the environment is
what handicaps a wheelchair user, not the wheelchair itself.

In modern discussions, people often use "disabled person" or "person with a disability" rather than
"handicapped person" to center the conversation on rights, inclusion, and accessibility. The social model
of disability emphasizes that it's societal barriers — not the impairment itself — that create limitations
for people with disabilities.

The models of disability and how language has evolved! These models shape how society views
disability and influence policies, accessibility, and individual experiences.

1. Medical Model of Disability:

Views disability as a problem within the individual caused by a physical, mental, or sensory impairment.

The focus is on diagnosis, treatment, and "fixing" or curing the condition.

Example: A person who uses a wheelchair is seen as disabled because they can't walk, and the solution
is medical intervention.

2. Social Model of Disability:

Argues that disability is created by societal barriers, not the impairment itself.

Barriers can be physical (like inaccessible buildings), attitudinal (like prejudice), or systemic (like lack of
accommodations).

Example: A person who uses a wheelchair is disabled by stairs without ramps, not by their inability to
walk. The disability arises from the environment, not the body.

3. Biopsychosocial Model:

Combines elements of both the medical and social models.

Recognizes that while impairments can cause real challenges, societal factors and personal experiences
also play a huge role.
Example: A deaf person might experience barriers due to lack of sign language interpreters (social
factor) and may also experience health-related challenges related to their hearing loss (medical factor).

4. Human Rights Model:

Frames disability as a human rights issue, emphasizing dignity, equality, and full participation in society.

Influences legal frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Example: People with disabilities should have equal access to education, employment, and healthcare,
not out of charity but as a fundamental right.

Evolution of Language

Language around disability has shifted to promote dignity and inclusion:

Handicapped → Person with a Disability

Confined to a wheelchair → Wheelchair user

Suffers from [condition] → Lives with [condition]

Many people prefer person-first language (e.g., "person with a disability") to emphasize their humanity.
Others, especially in the disability pride movement, prefer identity-first language (e.g., "disabled
person") as a statement of empowerment and community.

The key is to follow the individual's preference and approach the conversation with respect and
openness.

Conclusion

Understanding the concepts of disability and how they’ve evolved is essential for building an inclusive
and equitable society. While the medical model focuses on impairments, the social and human rights
models emphasize the role of societal barriers and the importance of full participation. Language, too,
has shifted to reflect these perspectives, moving towards more respectful, empowering terms that
center the individual’s dignity and autonomy. By recognizing disability as part of human diversity and
advocating for accessibility and equal rights, we contribute to a world where everyone can thrive,
regardless of their abilities.

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References

1. Oliver, M. (1990). The Politics of Disablement. Palgrave Macmillan.

2. Shakespeare, T. (2006). Disability Rights and Wrongs. Routledge.

4. World Health Organization (WHO). (2001). International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF).

5. Barnes, C., & Mercer, G. (2010). Exploring Disability: A Sociological Introduction. Polity Press.