abled

American  

[ey-buhld] / ˈeɪ bəld /

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.

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abled British  

/ ˈeɪbəld /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of abled

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

Example Sentences

We are all temporarily abled and your observation that your mother-in-law is “using her age to go on this expensive trip” could be reframed to acknowledge the fact that she may have a set amount of time where she is comfortable traveling long distances.

From MarketWatch

He thinks he lacks something that will make him whole, that will make him abled.

From Salon

The Boggses see Edward as a child, and even though Kim and Pam aren’t malicious in their use of Edward, their unconscious exploitation of him shows that even in the closest of families, the power dynamics between the abled and disabled are ever-present.

From Salon

Because reality shows like this don’t explore the nuances of disability, abled audiences are unaware of how a person’s healthcare is tied into their ability to qualify for programs like SSI and SSDI.

From Salon

When adjunct professor Zelu, who is paraplegic, hits rock bottom personally and professionally, she unexpectedly writes a mega-bestselling work of Afro-futurism that also addresses the differently abled.

From Los Angeles Times