differently able
Needing different support
Differently able is a euphemism for disabled, emphasizing alternative capabilities rather than limitations.
The term emerged from disability advocacy but has been criticized by many disabled people themselves as awkward and patronizing—suggesting discomfort with disability rather than genuine respect.
The program serves differently able students.
Most style guides now recommend simply using disabled.
Freedom from external control
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
dignity · agency · capability · achievement · confidence · self-sufficiency · leadership · opportunity
Consent to receive
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
- ADAThree-letter abbreviation, multiple meanings
- anti-discriminationOpposing unfair differential treatment
integration · belonging · participation · representation · barrier-free · equal-opportunity · normalization · mainstreaming
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- prosthesisManufactured replacement body part
- amputeeOne without a limb
- paraplegicLower-limb paralysis sufferer
- quadriplegicParalyzed in all limbs
Sloped connecting surface
- elevatorVertical conveyance between floors
- handrailsBars for gripping while walking
- audio-descriptionSpoken account of visuals
- captioningAdding text to media
Able to be modified
- adjustableAble to be changed
- tailoredAdjusted to fit exactly
- reconfigurableAble to be rearranged
- sip-and-puffBreath-activated assistive control
independence
Freedom from external control
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- advocacyPleading for a cause
self-advocacy · dignity · agency · capability · achievement · confidence · self-sufficiency · leadership · opportunity · advancement
acceptance
Consent to receive
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
- ADAThree-letter abbreviation, multiple meanings
anti-discrimination · integration · belonging · participation · representation · barrier-free · equal-opportunity · normalization · mainstreaming · neurodiversity
wheelchair
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- prosthesisManufactured replacement body part
- amputeeOne without a limb
- paraplegicLower-limb paralysis sufferer
quadriplegic · autism · neurodivergent · deaf · blind · cane · walker
ramp
Sloped connecting surface
- elevatorVertical conveyance between floors
- handrailsBars for gripping while walking
- audio-descriptionSpoken account of visuals
customizable
Able to be modified
- adjustableAble to be changed
- tailoredAdjusted to fit exactly
- reconfigurableAble to be rearranged
differently ableable-bodied
Physically fit, healthy
neurotypical · typical · healthy · normal · whole
different, differently, differ, differs, differed, differing, difference, differences, differential