differently able

English

Alternative forms

differently abled

Adjective

differently able (not comparable)

(euphemistic, often humorous or pejoratively so except India) Disabled or handicapped.
- 2022 May 24, “Is Chennai convenient for its Differently-abled citizens?”, in The Hindu‎:
  Illogical pedestrian crossings, inaccessible pavements and inconvenient public transport make it rather hostile for its differently abled citizens.

Usage notes

In India, this word is often used as a neutral term in official and formal contexts. However, it has been criticised as condescending and inaccurate.[1][2]

Translations

euphemism for 'disabled'

Dutch: andersvalide
Indonesian: difabel
Italian: diversamente abile
Swedish: funktionshindrad (sv)

References

“In fact: Why calling India’s disabled ‘divyang’ won’t enable them”, in Indian Express‎, 1 June 2016, retrieved 2021-12-22
“What are the right terminologies for referring to people with disabilities? – Diversity and Equal Opportunity centre”, in DEOC‎, accessed 2021-12-22

[1] “In fact: Why calling India’s disabled ‘divyang’ won’t enable them”, in Indian Express‎, 1 June 2016, retrieved 2021-12-22

[2] “What are the right terminologies for referring to people with disabilities? – Diversity and Equal Opportunity centre”, in DEOC‎, accessed 2021-12-22