Disabilità vs. handicap vs. invalidità
The Italian words 'disabilità', 'handicap', and 'invalidità' all relate to disability, but have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Disabilità
'Disabilità' is the most neutral and widely used term, referring to a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that affects a person's ability to perform certain activities.
La legge tutela i diritti delle persone con disabilità.
(The law protects the rights of people with disabilities.)
Abbiamo installato rampe per migliorare l'accessibilità per le persone con disabilità motorie.
(We installed ramps to improve accessibility for people with motor disabilities.)
Handicap
'Handicap' is often used to describe the social or environmental barriers that a person with a disability faces, rather than the disability itself. It's becoming less common due to potential negative connotations.
L'handicap maggiore per molti non vedenti è la mancanza di segnaletica tattile nelle città.
(The biggest handicap for many blind people is the lack of tactile signage in cities.)
Il suo handicap non gli impedisce di eccellere nello sport.
(His handicap doesn't prevent him from excelling in sports.)
Invalidità
'Invalidità' typically refers to a medically recognized condition that reduces a person's ability to work or perform daily activities, often used in legal or administrative contexts.
Ha richiesto il certificato di invalidità per ottenere benefici pensionistici.
(He requested an invalidity certificate to obtain pension benefits.)
L'invalidità permanente gli dà diritto a un posto auto riservato.
(The permanent invalidity entitles him to a reserved parking space.)
Summary
While 'disabilità' is the most general and neutral term for disability, 'handicap' focuses on external barriers, and 'invalidità' is often used in medical or legal contexts to describe a reduced capacity to work or perform daily activities.