"disabled," 1915, past-participle adjective from handicap (v.). Originally especially of children. Meaning "handicapped persons generally" is attested by 1958.
Entries linking to handicapped
handicap v.
"equalize chances of competitors," 1852, but implied in the horse-race sense from mid-18c., from handicap (n.). Meaning "put at a disadvantage" is from 1864. Earliest verbal sense, now obsolete, was "to gain as in a wagering game" (1640s). Related: Handicapped; handicapping.