Definitions Through the Ages

Have you ever wondered what the term Handicap is derived from and why the people we refer to as this term abhor it?

The word handicap came from 'cap in hand' and referred to the physically disabled's need to subsist as beggars in times past.

As a different-abled person who's been in this situation for 20 years, I, myself just learned this from one of my mentors two weeks ago. We were at a 'Community Awareness for Disability' function in an outdoor setting. I needed to use the bathroom and approached this wise man, saying, "Do they have handicap bathrooms here?" Andy quickly and firmly said, "No! But there are 'Accessible' restrooms just over the bridge." I was a bit stunned answering,"Huh?" He sweetly explained, "After 'World War I' as the injured soldiers came home, the only way society would allow them to provide for themselves and their families was to beg. They would sit outside businesses, holding the caps off of their heads in hand, pleading for money. Thus the term 'Handicap' was coined. We are not beggars, right?" asked Andy. "Wow!" I exclaimed.

Disabled is another term that is better, but not favored by many.

 Breaking down the word might give us insight into 'Why?' Dis means negation, reversal or opposite; Able means having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity, having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something; able to learn. Put them together and Disabled means-opposite of doing or learning. My personal definition is someone who gives up or is just plain lazy and doesn't try to accomplish anything.

There are many people who by choice are 'Disabled'/Non-learning, Non-doing individuals. Remember, just because someone does things differently does not make them 'Disabled'.

My family has come up with a complimentary term for people who give life their all and I'm proud to be one. It's Different-abled, accomplishing things differently than the usual.

This has been rummaging around in my mind since then and I felt the need to share this in hopes of us understanding more about each other.

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind
Luke 14:13

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce