ˌspecial ˈneeds noun [plural]
needs that someone has because they have mental or physical problems:
children with special needs

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

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

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲