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== Disability vs. Handicap ==
The terms '''disability''' and '''handicap''' are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. A disability is a functional limitation, while a handicap is a disadvantage that occurs because of that limitation.<ref name="ref1" /> The distinction between the two is important in understanding the relationship between an individual's condition and their environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) originally distinguished between impairment, disability, and handicap in its 1980 International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH).<ref name="ref2" /> In this model, an impairment refers to an abnormality in body structure or function, a disability is the resulting functional limitation, and a handicap is the social or environmental disadvantage experienced due to the disability.<ref name="ref3" /><ref name="ref2" />

Modern understanding, particularly through the social model of disability, places the emphasis on the role of societal barriers in creating disadvantages.<ref name="ref4" /> A person with a disability may be handicapped by a flight of stairs if no ramp or elevator is available, but they are not handicapped in a building that is fully accessible.<ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref1" /> This highlights that the handicap is a product of the environment, not an inherent part of the disability itself.

The use of the word "handicap" is now often considered offensive by many people, who prefer the term disability. The term "handicap" is thought to have origins in a 17th-century game of chance called "hand-in-cap." It was later applied to horse racing, where better horses were given extra weight to carry as a handicap to even the competition. The term began to be applied to people with disabilities in the late 19th century, with the implication of being held back in the "race for life."

=== Comparison Table ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Category !! Disability !! Handicap
|-
| '''Core Concept''' || A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. || A disadvantage created by an impairment or disability that restricts a person's ability to fulfill a role.<ref name="ref3" />
|-
| '''Focus''' || Relates to the individual's functional limitations. || Relates to the societal and environmental barriers the individual faces.
|-
| '''Nature''' || A medical or physical state inherent to the person. || A social and environmental condition external to the person.
|-
| '''Example''' || A person's inability to walk due to a spinal cord injury.<ref name="ref3" /> || The same person being unable to enter a building because it only has stairs and no ramp.
|-
| '''Modern Usage''' || The generally accepted and preferred term. || Often considered outdated and offensive; its use has declined.
|-
| '''Solution Implied''' || Medical treatment or rehabilitation to address the functional limitation. || Removal of societal barriers, such as building ramps or promoting inclusive policies.<ref name="ref5" />
|}

[[File:Venn_diagram_Differences_between_Disability_versus_Handicap_comparison.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for Differences between Disability and Handicap|Venn diagram comparing Differences between Disability and Handicap]]

== Social Model of Disability ==
The social model of disability distinguishes between impairment and disability. An impairment is an individual's physical, sensory, or cognitive difference, while disability is the experience of barriers imposed by society.<ref name="ref4" /> According to this model, a person with an impairment is "disabled" by society's failure to accommodate their needs.<ref name="ref5" /> For example, a deaf person (impairment) is disabled by the lack of sign language interpreters at a public event (barrier).<ref name="ref4" />

This model contrasts with the medical model, which views disability as a problem residing within the individual that needs to be "fixed" or cured. The social model shifts the focus to identifying and dismantling societal barriers to create a more inclusive environment for people with impairments. Removing these barriers reduces or eliminates the handicap, allowing for greater independence and participation in society.<ref name="ref5" />

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="ref5" /> "Medical vs Social Model of Disability," People with Disability Australia, accessed December 9, 2025.
"Impairment, Disability, and Handicap: What's the Difference?," SpEd Hub, November 9, 2018.
<ref name="ref3" /> Sheena L. Carter, "Impairment, Disability and Handicap," Emory School of Medicine.
"Disability and Health Overview," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2, 2025.
"Section 6: Impairment, disability and handicap," Health Knowledge.
"Disability," Wikipedia, accessed December 9, 2025.
<ref name="ref4" /> "Social Model vs Medical Model of disability," Disability Nottinghamshire.
"Handicap Definition & Meaning," Merriam-Webster, accessed December 9, 2025.
"Disability Definition & Meaning," Merriam-Webster, accessed December 9, 2025.
"DISABILITY | English meaning," Cambridge Dictionary, accessed December 9, 2025.
"HANDICAP | English meaning," Cambridge Dictionary, accessed December 9, 2025.
"Language Matters: Handicapping An Affliction," Disability History Museum.
"Handicap - Etymology, Origin & Meaning," Etymonline, accessed December 9, 2025.
"Handicap - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms," Vocabulary.com, accessed December 9, 2025.
"Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010," GOV.UK.
<ref name="ref2" /> "UN Enable : First 50 Years : Chapter II - What is a disability?," The United Nations.
"Are We Handicapped, Disabled, or Something Else?," National Federation of the Blind.
"Medical and Social Models of Disability," Office of Developmental Primary Care, University of California.
"Introduction to the Social and Medical Models of Disability," Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
"Origin of 'Handicap'," Alabama Department of Public Health.
"Where did the term 'Handicap' come from?," Start-Up Nation, March 8, 2023.
"Medical and Social Models of Disability," University of Oregon Accessible Education Center.
"Impairment, Disability & Handicap | Definition & Differences," Study.com.
<ref name="ref1" /> "Do the words disability and handicapped mean the same thing?," The ARC, February 29, 2016.
"Understanding Impairment, Disability, and Handicap: Key Differences and Examples," Enable India, June 7, 2024.
"People With Disabilities Or Disabled People? What Is Correct?," United Disabilities Services, May 26, 2022.
"The Levels of Disability According to the WHO," Rehabilitation Technology, September 26, 2024.
</references>

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Differences between Disability and Handicap - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.