differently able

English

Alternative forms

Pronunciation

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Adjective

differently able (not comparable)

  1. (euphemistic, often humorous or pejoratively so except India and Philippines) Disabled or handicapped.
    • 2022 May 24, “Is Chennai convenient for its Differently-abled citizens?”, in The Hindu‎[3], archived from the original on 6 November 2025:
      Illogical pedestrian crossings, inaccessible pavements and inconvenient public transport make it rather hostile for its differently abled citizens.
    • 2021, Various, “'We are Not Disabled; We are Differently-Abled': A Study on The Lived Experiences of Person with Disability in the Workplace”, in Dangal Research Journal‎[4], volume 3, number 1, archived from the original on 21 October 2026:
      "We are Not Disabled; We are Differently-Abled"

Usage notes

  • In India and the Philippines, 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

References

  1. ^ “In fact: Why calling India's disabled 'divyang' won't enable them”, in Indian Express‎[1], 1 June 2016, archived from the original on 9 June 2026
  2. ^ “What are the right terminologies for referring to people with disabilities? – Diversity and Equal Opportunity centre”, in DEOC‎[2], 22 December 2021 (last accessed), archived from the original on 14 June 2026
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