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Glite Dictionary
differently able worker

differently able worker

3.7
A person who has a disability and works or looks for work, bringing different skills
  • noun
  • /ˈdɪfərəntli ˈeɪbəl ˈwɜrkər/
translation icon : trabajador con discapacidad
  • She advocates for better workplace accommodations for differently able workers.

Examples

  • The company makes a point to employ differently able workers in various departments.

  • Many differently able workers bring unique skills and fresh viewpoints to their jobs.

  • The company hired a differently able worker to enhance diversity.

  • Many differently able workers bring unique skills to the job.

  • Many differently able workers bring unique skills and fresh viewpoints to their jobs.

  • The company makes a point to employ differently able workers in various departments.

  • She advocates for better workplace accommodations for differently able workers.

Synonyms

disabled
vsdifferently able worker
27 3.3

People with a long-term physical or mental condition that limits daily activities

emphasizes employment and strengths instead of focusing on impairment

Surface Forms

differently able worker singular
differently able workers plural

Morphology

differently + able + worker

The phrase is compositionally formed from 'differently' + 'able' + 'worker' so a B1 learner who knows the words can infer it means a worker who is able in a different way. However, the conventional euphemistic meaning 'a person with a disability' and its social nuance are not fully predictable from the parts alone, so prior exposure helps.

Etymology

Differently able worker comes from a choice to focus on ability, not limits. It creates the image of someone who is differently able, meaning able in other ways, so it means a worker with different skills and strengths, not a sign of 'disability'.