It is now incorrect in etiquette ?

Question

To use the word HANDICAPPED when referring to a person with a Disability ?

Well some people are just plain ignorant. The word retard is utterly offensive and to me would only exhibit the bad spirit of the person saying it. I am simply comparing between different countries and don't need to be told what to say. I think words and terms are very important when mixing cultures etc. and that much etiquette is long lost, in USA and UK especially. I would put that down to the idiot box in the corner plugged into a sick world of garbage, which most people are glued to every night.

Answer 1

I'd use disability or special needs.
In Ireland we call them disabled parking spaces.

When referring to a person I find 'retard(-ed)' and 'handicap(-ped)' highly offensive.

Answer 2

As far as I'm aware, handicapped refers to a degree of disability, usually it means a temporary or minor degree of disability which my be overcome or worked around. By that standard, I would say it's not politically incorrect, but out of politeness you would still refer to the person in question as having a disability. Personally I think that is the most matter of fact and least assumptive term.

Answer 3

Yes, and no. Yes because "challenged" is the more gentle term. However you still have "Handicapped Parking." So, no, not entirely. And then you have the Americans With Disabilities Act....so....just don't call anyone, gimp, cripple, or retard and I think you will be fine.

Answer 4

Use "handicapped" when speaking of a thing, like a parking space or bathroom. Use "disabled" or "physically/mentally challenged" when referring to a person.

As the parent of a challenged child, it's incredibly sad to see that people like windcriesmarie find humor in other's heartache.

Answer 5

Handicapped refers to things and disabled to people. Or you could always ask the person in question which term s/he prefers, which will, of course, vary from person to person..

BTW, I understand that "wheelchair user" or "uses a wheelchair" is preferred to "wheelchair-bound"

Answer 6

In UK it is politically correct to say "people with special requirements"; even "special needs" is no longer used because it implies people with learning disabilities, whereas special requirements can infer physical or mental disabilities

Answer 7

No, it is too well-known and politically correct. In fact, if you ask me, it sounds even less polite to say challenged because you are directly reminding them of the fact that they really are challenged. I feel that the most polite term is disability.

EDIT:

Or impediment.

Answer 8

As long as there are "Handicapped" parking spaces I'll use the term. Political correctness MUST be slowed down.

Answer 9

I think it's fine! I don't see anything rude or offesive about it.

Answer 10

Whateva whateva... I say what I want. But thanks for the tidbit.