abled

[ ey-buhld ]

adjective

1. noting or relating to a person unaffected by physical, mental, or cognitive impairment; nondisabled:

   I don’t think abled folks realize how inaccessible basic infrastructure is.

2. Rare. noting or relating to a disabled person who uses assistive technology or accommodations that make education, jobs, or other activities accessible to them:

   Teachers and institutions need to understand that if tools are provided to children with disabilities, they will become abled individuals in society.

abled

/ ˈeɪbəld /

adjective

1. having a range of physical powers as specified (esp in the phrases less abled, differently abled )

Word History and Origins

Origin of abled¹

First recorded in 1945–50; back formation from disabled ( def )

Example Sentences

“We knew how much it would mean to not just people who use wheelchairs, but for anyone who’s differently abled, to see this.”

From Los Angeles Times

The audience is always meant to identify with the abled character, not the disabled one.

From Salon

She said she wanted to help those who were "financially excluded or differently abled".

From BBC

Here’s a better term: differently abled.

From Los Angeles Times

If employers are overlooking differently abled people when they hire, they are most certainly missing out.

From Los Angeles Times