1.
child with a disability; disabled child
A child who has a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability. Used in education, welfare, and medical contexts.
障害児の教育を支援する。
To support the education of children with disabilities.
この学校は障害児を受け入れている。
This school accepts children with disabilities.
障害児の親たちが集まって情報を交換した。
Parents of children with disabilities gathered to exchange information.
Composed of 障害 (disability, impairment) + 児 (child). Appears in welfare and education terms such as 障害児保育 (childcare for disabled children).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 障害児教育: special-needs education
- 障害児施設: a facility for children with disabilities
USAGE:
The spelling 障がい児, mixing kanji and kana, is increasingly preferred in official and considerate contexts to soften the negative connotation of the character 害 (harm).