Differently Abled: Meaning and Origins
The phrase “differently abled” emerged as a way to describe individuals with physical or mental impairments, shifting the focus from what they couldn’t do to what they could achieve. It represents a conscious effort to move away from stigmatizing language and towards a more inclusive and respectful terminology. It acknowledges that people may function differently but are not inherently deficient. The term emphasizes ability rather than disability, advocating for equal opportunities and recognizing individual strengths.
Origin of “Differently Abled”
The term “differently abled” gained traction in the early 1980s, primarily within disability rights movements in the United States. While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint to a single source, it first appeared in print in 1980 in the Los Angeles Times, referencing workers at a festival. Prior to this, terms like “handicapped” or “disabled” were commonly used, but often carried negative connotations. The intent behind “differently abled” was to reframe the narrative around disability, emphasizing potential and capability. It was intended as a positive alternative, though its effectiveness and continued relevance have been subject to debate within the disability community, a point we’ll explore later.
Differently Abled in Literature
Example #1: “The Differently Abled” by Ajit Das
Like all of you I, too, came into the world
from the womb of my mother,
but with a difference, I was deformed.
I didn’t know what it meant to me.As I grew into consciousness,
I realized I was not normal, needing
a crutch, extra care that bordered on pity.
A complex feeling swelled within me:
I was inferior, and it choked my voice.But I wanted to be heard, treated as an equal,
not someone lesser than others, dismissed
as disabled from the avenues of life.
I started believing in my ability, working hard,
proving multiple times my contributing part.Steadily, I have clambered up the stiff climb,
gouging steps with my iron axe of resolve,
standing on the cliff, still showing what I look like.
This poem exemplifies the internal struggle and desire for acceptance experienced by individuals who are differently abled. Though the phrase itself isn’t used within the poem, the narrative powerfully conveys its essence. The speaker rejects being defined by their physical difference and asserts their inherent worth and capabilities. The focus is on overcoming societal barriers and demonstrating that disability does not equate to inability. The poem’s strength lies in its raw emotional honesty and its celebration of resilience.
Example #2: “Rudolph, the differently-abled Reindeer” by John F. McCullagh
Rudolph was differently-abled
As nearly everybody knows.
He suffered discrimination
because he had a nose that glows.All of the alt‑right Reindeer
Were bigoted and called him names.
They never let poor Rudolph
Participate in Reindeer gamesThen one foggy holiday Eve
O.S.H.A came to say
“This hostile workplace violates rules
There will be hefty fines to pay!”Now all of the Reindeer hate him
but learned to hide it carefully.
They just spent two weeks in training
For Reindeer sensitivity.
This allegorical poem uses the story of Rudolph to address themes of discrimination and societal prejudice. The poem subtly comments on the performative nature of inclusivity. The reindeer’s glowing nose, a characteristic that sets him apart, becomes a metaphor for any difference that leads to marginalization. The introduction of OSHA and sensitivity training satirizes attempts to address discrimination without genuine empathy or understanding. The poem highlights the importance of true acceptance and challenges the superficiality of forced inclusivity. It underscores how language, even with good intentions, can mask underlying biases.
Example #3: “Incredible Champions” by N. Chandrasekaran
First, she was deeply disturbed by a child who was afflicted with cerebral palsy and donated a wheelchair. This happened when she was in school, as mentioned earlier. She was moved by a number of differently abled children in her locality. Developed nations have policies and practices to detect such problems early and work on providing support to reduce the severity of the consequences of crippling.
In this passage, Chandrasekaran uses “differently abled” within a narrative highlighting charitable acts and social responsibility. The context focuses on providing support and resources to children with disabilities. This example demonstrates how the phrase was often employed in broader discussions of social welfare and disability rights. It frames differently abled individuals as recipients of assistance rather than active agents in their own lives. While the intent is positive, it’s important to consider how this framing can reinforce power imbalances.
Example #4: “Bad Language: Are Some Words Better Than Others?” by Edwin Battistella
The term handicapped, while less offensive than crippled, carries the connotation of being held back in some competitive enterprise (we talk of social handicaps, golf handicaps, and racing handicaps) and is unwelcome by some people with disabilities. As both public policy and social attitudes have shifted from seeing disabilities in terms of individuals’ conditions (crippled) to their prospects (handicapped) to their situation (as requiring reasonable accommodation), language has evolved as well. What about the term physically challenged? This term seems less than optimal since it is both long and somewhat euphemistic, representing disability almost as an opportunity to test oneself. Euphemisms call attention to a speaker’s connotation and so the term singles out the disabled in the same way that disparaging usage might. In the American Association of University Presses’ Guidelines for Bias‑Free Writing, Marilyn Schwartz notes that in many contexts such alternatives as physically challenged, physically (or mentally) different, differently abled, exceptional, and special may suggest “that disabled people belong to a different or uncommon race species or that having a disability is an exciting adventure.”
Battistella’s analysis provides a critical examination of the evolution of language surrounding disability. He points out that while “differently abled” was intended as a positive alternative, it, like other euphemisms, can inadvertently “other” individuals with disabilities. The author demonstrates that even well‑intentioned language can carry unintended baggage and contribute to harmful stereotypes. The piece encourages a thoughtful approach to language and emphasizes the importance of respecting individual preferences and avoiding generalizations.
Differently Abled in Everyday Language
Here are examples of how “differently abled” might be used in sentences:
- “Why are you treating all of your friends as differently abled people? You are not the only person in this group who knows the coding.”
- “Mary Jimstart is a differently abled person with high intellectual abilities.”
- “Though Henry is my differently abled friend, he is the only person I know who helps when you need it most.”
- “Ian hated when people called him a handicapped person. He lost his leg after the war and became differently abled, but he was still more courageous than most.”
- “Some of the most differently abled people have proved themselves to be the most capable.”
It’s important to note that while historically popular, many within the disability community now prefer “disabled person” or identity‑first language like “disabled people.” This is because “differently abled” can be seen as minimizing the impact of disability or suggesting that it is something to be ashamed of. Ultimately, the most respectful approach is to listen to how individuals prefer to be identified and use that language.
The phrase “differently abled” has a complex history. While intended to be empowering, its effectiveness is debated. Understanding its origins, how it’s been used in literature and everyday language, and the evolving preferences within the disability community is crucial for engaging in respectful and informed communication.