dis‧a‧bled S3 W3 / dɪseɪb ə ld / 形容词

1 someone who is disabled cannot use a part of their body properly, or cannot learn easily → handicapped :

a support group for parents of disabled children

a severely disabled polio patient

physically/mentally disabled

If you are elderly or physically disabled, massage can be beneficial.

teachers who work with learning disabled children (= children who have problems learning )

disabled parking/toilet/access etc (= for physically disabled people )

2 the disabled [复数形式] people who are disabled :

The theatre has good access for the disabled.

THESAURUS

disabled not able to use a part of your body properly or not able to learn normally, because of a permanent problem : Disabled people should have the same rights and choices as everyone else. | Elaine is severely disabled and relies on 24 hour care. | The charity provides opportunities and facilities for disabled people to take part in sport.

special needs if someone has special needs, they have physical or mental disabilities : a school for children with special needs | A woman whose five-year-old son has special needs has accused her local education authority of failing to provide him with a decent eductation.

learning difficulties/disabilities if someone has learning difficulties, they have difficulty learning basic skills or information : A child’s behavioural problems may be associated with learning difficulties. | special courses for students with moderate learning difficulties

handicapped disabled – this word is old-fashioned and is now considered offensive. It is better to say that someone has learning difficulties or has special needs .

wheelchair user someone who is in a wheelchair because they cannot walk : There is easy access for wheelchair users.

paraplegic someone who is unable to move the lower part of their body, including their legs : He had a riding accident, which left him a paraplegic.

quadriplegic someone who is permanently unable to move any part of their body below their neck