Is the word "handicapped" offensive?

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

A lot of it I think also has to do with the intent people have when using these terms as well. There are other words to describe various type of people that can be used either way.

I agree. And, I see a big difference between the terms "handicapped" and "disabled". To me, a handicap is an obstacle, disabled is unable to function anymore (such as .. no longer able to work, on Social Security Disability because of it).

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

This.

My grad program deals with disabilities and mental health conditions on some level, and this is the type pf language that we are expected to use (both in discussion and in written communications).

We were always encouraged to do this, even when I was in OT school 25 years ago. (OMG! 25 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!) That said, we, as a society, tend to do this with everything. We don't "search Google", we "Google". We aren't "of Italian heritage", we "are Italian".

In some ways, I do understand what they are saying because of my Crohn's Disease. When I was first diagnosed, I felt like the Crohn's defined who I am. I was walking Crohn's Disease. It took a few years to start feeling like I am a person with Crohn's Disease and that it doesn't define me. This was an INTERNAL struggle. After I had surgery and was on maintenance meds, I got SO angry that I still had to go for regular blood work and get B12 supplements for the rest of my life because it added to feeling like the disease defined me. I imagine that everybody with a handicap, challenge, disability or serious illness feels that way at some point and the terminology would grate on you when you're in that place.