The word handicapped

Do you know where the word 'handicap" comes from ? 

It comes from the English expression "hand in cap" which was a game where one would compete for personal objects whose price will be determined by a referee, the waging will then be put in a cap. Through years "hand in cap" was applied to sport and was transformed to "handicap". This new word reflects the will to give an equal chance to competitors by imposing added difficulties to the best competitor.

The word handicapped has, depending on the countries, different meanings. This difference in meanings reflects the fact that people perceive and integrate handicapped people in their own way depending on their country of origin. Northern Europe countries for instance are known to better accept handicapped within their society. Will my project confirm this hypothesis?

According to the French law of February 2005, is considered a handicap everything that limits you in terms of activity or that restrains your participation to life within society because of a substantial, lasting or definitive alteration of one or more of your functions. These functions can be physical, sensory, mental….

Being in a wheelchair, a handicap? Steps are a hassle, any doorstep makes it difficult, social integration is modified and chances to get a job are reduced. To think about the difficulties met by handicapped is already trying to reduce his handicap.

Today almost 10% of the French population says to live with a handicap, more than 40 millions within Europe . This figure is increasing because of the increase of life expectancy.

You are not handicapped today, enjoy, it could happen to you when you become older, think about it! Knowing what being handicapped means, I want to try to reduce the chances for your to know this situation, I will tell you how soon.

Departure: D-93