Study Guides/Dictionary/Specially Abled Meaning
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What does 'Specially Abled' mean?

Language evolves to become more respectful and inclusive. The term 'Specially Abled' is a modern, positive phrase used to describe individuals who have physical or mental impairments.

Question (Click to Flip)

Who coined the term Divyang in India?

Answer

The term 'Divyang' was popularized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during his radio address, urging society to look at the 'divinity' and special abilities of these individuals rather than their shortcomings.

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Key Facts

The term 'Handicapped' is now widely considered outdated and offensive because it historically originated from people with disabilities having to beg with their 'cap in hand'.

The Meaning

'Specially abled' means that while a person may lack a typical physical or mental ability (like the ability to walk, see, or hear), they possess other unique, special abilities and talents to navigate the world.

It is used as a polite, empowering replacement for older, negative words like 'disabled', 'crippled', or 'handicapped'.

Meaning in Hindi (Divyang)

In India, the official Hindi term introduced for specially-abled citizens is рджрд┐рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдВрдЧ (Divyang), which translates to 'one with a divine body part' (divya + ang).

  • Example: The government has built special ramps for specially-abled people.
  • Hindi: рд╕рд░рдХрд╛рд░ рдиреЗ рджрд┐рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдВрдЧ рд▓реЛрдЧреЛрдВ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рд░реИрдВрдк рдмрдирд╛рдП рд╣реИрдВред

Difference between Specially Abled and Differently Abled

There is no major difference. Both terms are used interchangeably to highlight a person's abilities rather than their disabilities. 'Differently abled' suggests they just do things in a different way, while 'Specially abled' highlights that they have special skills.

Questions and Answers

Who coined the term Divyang in India?+

The term 'Divyang' was popularized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during his radio address, urging society to look at the 'divinity' and special abilities of these individuals rather than their shortcomings.

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