Introduction
The term “differently abled” has become an important part of our language in recent years. It reflects a more respectful and comprehensive way to talk about the disabilities. The term focuses on the potential of the people, rather than their incapacity.
Meaning of “Differently Abled”
The term ”Differently abled” refers to the people, who are physically, mentally and emotionally disable. Unlike common terms, such as “disabled” or “handicapped”, which focus on the inability of a person, the instant term concentrates on the abilities of a person and his strength.
It demonstrates the change in the concept of social integration and the value of tolerance, which demonstrates that the people with disabilities have various kinds of abilities.
The term further unfolds the idea that every individual is valuable and capable. The best way to think is to consider the potential of a person of doing something, rather than what he/she cannot do. It helps the people to accept that there are individuals who have alternative ways of functioning in the world, rather than seeing them as deficient in some way.
Origin of “Differently Abled”
The term ‘differently abled’ was first used in the disability rights movement of the 1980s. This period was marked by the people becoming more aware of the development of the appropriate language to use when describing the individuals with disabilities.
The supporters of disability rights intended to shift the perception of disability from ‘abled’ to ‘disabled’ to recognize that everyone has ability and potential. They emphasized on the use of language that recognizes these differences and strengths.
The term was popularized to an extent by organizations and campaigners who understood the impact that language has influence on the people’s beliefs. With the term “differently abled”, they wanted to break the prejudice towards disabled people and for society to become more tolerant and accepting of people with disabilities.
Examples of “differently abled” in literature
The phrase “differently abled” is found in modern texts, but is most commonly used in disability and diversity context. Here are some examples from published contemporary literature:
Example#1
“Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist” by Judith Heumann
“I’ve always rejected the term ‘differently abled.’ It implies that disability is just another way of being able, which glosses over the real challenges that disabled people face in a world not built for them. We’re not ‘differently abled,’ we’re disabled, and that’s not something to be ashamed of.”
In her memoir, the writer demonstrates her concern with the term ‘differently abled’. She states that, despite the efforts to shift attention to the capacities of the disable persons, the term also covers up the difficulties they face.
This example evinces the issues of language in the disability rights movement and the differences in opinion regarding language of disability.
Example#2
“Crip Kinship: The Disability Justice & Art Activism of Sins Invalid” by Shayda Kafai
“The term ‘differently abled’ was coined as an alternative to ‘disabled,’ with the intent to shift the focus from what disabled people cannot do to what they can. However, within disability justice spaces, there’s recognition that this phrase can sometimes dilute the real experiences of disabled individuals.”
In the book, Kafai discusses the disability of justice and art activism. The term ‘differently abled’ has been examined in relation to the manner in which language can either strengthen or weaken the experience of disable people.
The author understands the spirit of the phrase, while at the same time, she expresses the idea that it does not go far enough in capturing the realities of the lives of disabled people.
Example#3
“Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice” by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
“I understand why some people prefer to use ‘differently abled.’ It feels more positive and less stigmatizing. But for me, it’s important to name my disability because that’s what it is. I’m disabled, and that word carries the weight of the struggles and the power of our movement.”
The writer being disability justice activist expresses her feelings about the term “differently abled” in this book of essays. She recognizes the noble intention of this phrase, however states that it is important to accept the term ‘disabled’ to understand the disability, hardships as well as strength of those people. The passage is an excellent example to show how language is debated in contemporary discussions about disability.
Example#4
“Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century” edited by Alice Wong
“Some people prefer the term ‘differently abled,’ believing it to be more empowering. But for many of us in the disability community, the phrase can feel like it’s glossing over the real and significant barriers we face. We need to acknowledge these barriers, not shy away from them.”
All the pieces in this book have been edited by Alice Wong, however many contributors share their personal experience about the disabled people and the terms surrounding the concept of disability. The term ‘differently abled’ is often consider as more empowering by some people, however it sometimes conceal the fact that disable people face many hardships. This example adds to the existing debates as to what language is effective and productive for representing disability in modern literature.
Example Sentences of “Differently Abled”
- The school has programs in place to support differently abled students and help them thrive academically.
- His unique perspective as a differently abled person allowed him to come up with an innovative solution to the problem.
- Please use people-first language when referring to the differently abled community by saying “people with disabilities” rather than disabled people.
- We need to continue fighting for accessibility and inclusion for differently abled individuals in the workplace.
- She was an inspiration to other differently abled youths who aspired to achieve their dreams despite naysayers.
- The non-profit organization builds specially adapted homes for differently abled veterans wounded while serving their country.
- Differently abled employees may request reasonable accommodations to allow them to perform essential job functions.
- Let’s make sure we refer to people as differently abled rather than handicapped or disabled.
FAQs about “Differently Abled”
Q: What are some concerns around using the term “differently abled”?
A: Some disabled people prefer identity-first language like “disabled person” over person first terms which they find euphemistic. There are also concerns it minimizes disabilities or implies disabilities just represent “differences.”
Q: Is there an alternative to “differently abled”?
A: Many suggest using language like “disabled person” or specifying the disability (“person with paraplegia” etc.) to acknowledge it directly while putting the person first.
Q: Should jobs aim to hire a certain percentage of differently abled people?
A: Rather than quotas, focus on inclusive hiring practices ensuring accessibility, reducing bias, and providing reasonable accommodations. Make opportunities accessible based on capability.
Q: Is “differently abled” a sensitive way to refer to disabilities?
A: It aims to be sensitive but some argue it is vague, condescending or puts a positive spin on disability. Listen to an individual’s preference.
Q: Can abled people learn valuable perspectives from differently abled people?
A: Absolutely. Differently abled people often develop resilience, new ways of thinking, creativity in adapting, determination, empathy and open-mindedness that benefit everyone.
Q: Should we say “person with a disability” or “disabled person”?
A: There are varied preferences – listen to the individual. Disability advocates tend to prefer identity-first language (“disabled person”) but this evolves.
Q: Is there a difference between disability and inability?
A: Yes. Disability refers to a limitation in some capacity. But inability implies lacking capabilities entirely, which is rarely true – focus on what people CAN do.
Q: Should companies hire for diversity or simply hire the best person?
A: These are not mutually exclusive – having diversity IS hiring the best people because it improves decision making, innovation and reflects society.
Q: Can we work to remove barriers for disabled people without patronizing?
A: Absolutely, keeping the focus on equal access and inclusion while respecting disabled people’s agency and dignity.
