The 1964 Americans Civil Rights Act gave inspiration to people with disabilities. By the 1970's changes were developing and terms like cripple, lame, gimp and a host of others became offensive terms because they focused on a person's deficits rather than the person themselves.

When did we stop using the word handicapped?

In 1992, when Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was renewed and amended, one of the amendments was to correct terminology. Recognizing the negative impact of certain terms, the word "handicapped" was replaced with the phrase "persons with disabilities."

What is wrong with the term handicapped?

The word handicapped has a number of problematic connotations: the word implies inherent inability. It implies not being able to function; separation from society as a whole. It's a lot like the word “special” in the way that it separates people.