What does the term 'handicap' refer to?

The term 'handicap' is most accurately understood as the disadvantages faced by individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life. This definition encompasses the societal and environmental barriers that can limit a person's ability to participate fully in activities or to access opportunities. It is crucial to recognize that while impairments can cause limitations, a 'handicap' focuses more on how these limitations interact with societal structures and attitudes, ultimately leading to exclusion or reduced quality of life.

Understanding handicap in this way aligns with the social model of disability, which emphasizes that it is not just the individual's condition that creates challenges, but also the way society is organized and the attitudes of those in the community. This perspective supports the idea of inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, highlighting the need for societal change to minimize these disadvantages.