persons handicapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persons handicapped" is not commonly used in contemporary written English and may be considered outdated or insensitive.
It can be used in contexts discussing disability, but it is advisable to use more current and respectful language. Example: "The organization provides resources and support for persons handicapped by various disabilities."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On the way to Fizi before reaching the nearest village of Makobola, which is my parents' native town, we saw thousands of people walking, women, children, soldiers, men, disabled persons, handicapped persons, everyone was on the run.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is wrong, however, to call a disabled person, "crippled," "handicapped" or any other antiquated or offensive expression.

The New York Times

Reduced-price fares are commonly offered to students, the elderly, and handicapped persons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some specialize in working with mentally or physically handicapped persons, prison inmates, drug and alcohol abusers, or geriatric patients.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Research is currently under way to develop robots that would be capable of providing assistance to paraplegics and other physically handicapped persons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

State agencies provide assistance to single parents, those whose spouses are in prison, homeless youths, handicapped persons, and neglected or abandoned children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Swimming as an exercise is popular as an all-around body developer and is particularly useful in therapy and as exercise for physically handicapped persons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prominent drugs makers including Pfizer, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Schering-Plough should be in focus once again as investors consider the rising likelihood the United States Congress will pass a prescription drug benefit for elderly and handicapped persons.

Forbes

It is often said here that when one handicapped person dies, another moves up the list to get their due.

The New York Times

He limited his demand for education and job training to the "mentally normal" but physically handicapped person, in contrast to the "mentally handicapped," and, already in 1926, he showed a thinking that alarmingly coincided with the Nazi ideology for selective care.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lorraine Dodd from Australia was presented the Ben Richter Award for the physically handicapped person to have made the best effort to rehabilitate himself or herself.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "persons handicapped" in contemporary writing. Opt for more respectful and person-first language, such as "people with disabilities" or "individuals with impairments".

Common error

Do not use terms like "handicapped" as they are considered offensive and insensitive. Using person-first language is crucial to respect the individual's identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persons handicapped" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It identifies a group of individuals who experience limitations due to physical or mental impairments. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is not commonly used in contemporary English and can be considered outdated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persons handicapped" is an older term used to refer to individuals with disabilities. Although grammatically sound, it is now considered outdated and potentially offensive. Modern and respectful alternatives, as suggested by Ludwig AI, include ""people with disabilities"" or ""individuals with impairments"". When writing about this subject, it's vital to use person-first language to show respect and promote inclusivity. While the phrase may appear in older texts or formal documents, contemporary usage strongly favors more sensitive and accurate descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people with disabilities

Replaces the term "handicapped" with the more accepted term "disabilities".

individuals with impairments

Uses "impairments" as a broader term encompassing various physical or mental conditions.

those with physical challenges

Employs "physical challenges" to soften the connotation of disability.

people living with disabilities

Highlights that disability is part of someone's life experience.

differently abled individuals

Presents disability as a difference in ability rather than a lack.

persons with functional limitations

Focuses on the limitations resulting from a condition.

individuals requiring special assistance

Emphasizes the need for support and accommodations.

people affected by disabilities

Highlights the impact of disability on a person's life.

individuals experiencing physical barriers

Shifts focus to the external barriers they face.

those with mobility issues

Specifically addresses individuals with difficulties in movement.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "persons handicapped"?

More respectful alternatives include "people with disabilities", "individuals with impairments", or "differently abled individuals".

Is it offensive to use the term "handicapped"?

Yes, the term "handicapped" is often considered outdated and offensive. It is better to use person-first language that focuses on the individual rather than the disability.

How can I use person-first language when referring to people with disabilities?

Person-first language involves placing the person before the disability. For example, instead of "handicapped person", use "person with a disability" or "individual with an impairment".

What is the difference between "disability" and "impairment"?

An impairment is a loss or abnormality of body structure or function. A disability is a restriction or limitation in performing an activity or task that most people can do. Using the term ""people with disabilities"" is generally preferred.