Synonyms
Definition
The term “handicap” is associated with several different definitions. According to the Cambridge Dictionary definition, handicap is a physical or mental condition that makes ordinary activities more difficult for a person than they are for other people. It may also be used more generally to refer to a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult. An early definition of handicap (that is seldom used today) specifies a condition that markedly restricts a person’s ability to function physically, mentally, or socially. International organizations and researchers have deliberated on the meaning of “handicap” since the 1970s. The general consensus that emerged is that handicap should be understood as a description of relationship between the person and the environment, rather than a physical condition.
Overview
The terms “handicap,” “impairment,” and “disability” have sometimes been used synonymously in the health...
References
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Fong, J.H. (2020). Handicap. In: Gu, D., Dupre, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69892-2_493-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69892-2_493-1
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