The terms "physically challenged" and "mentally challenged" have been used in the past to refer to individuals with disabilities, but it's essential to note that language evolves over time, and some terms may be considered outdated or insensitive today. More contemporary and respectful language includes "people with disabilities" or "individuals with physical disabilities" and "people with intellectual or developmental disabilities" when referring to these respective conditions.
That said, the terms "physically challenged" and "mentally challenged" were historically used to describe individuals facing different types of challenges:
Physically Challenged: This term was used to refer to people who have physical disabilities, which may be congenital, acquired, or caused by injury or illness. Physical disabilities can affect mobility, sensory functions, or other bodily systems. Examples include people who use wheelchairs, have visual impairments, or have limb differences.
Mentally Challenged: This term was used to refer to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These conditions typically involve limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviors. Intellectual disabilities affect a person's intellectual abilities, such as problem-solving, learning, and reasoning, which may impact their ability to live independently or perform everyday tasks.
In modern discourse, it is essential to use person-first language, which emphasizes the person first and then the disability. For example, "a person with a physical disability" or "a person with an intellectual disability" is preferred over "physically challenged" or "mentally challenged."
Using person-first language promotes respect, dignity, and inclusivity, recognizing that people with disabilities are individuals with their own unique strengths, abilities, and contributions to society.