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general::
adj. VERBS be | be born | become | leave sb The accident left him badly disabled. ADV. badly, profoundly, seriously, severely, very a new home for severely disabled people | partially, slightly | chronically, permanently | mentally, physically
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
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general::
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
Longman-Thesaurus