Use of the term handicapped

Have you ever used the word? Do you know where it came from? Many years ago when families had a disabled member, they were thought to be unable to contribute. When the rest of the family went out to the fields for the day to work, the disabled family member was placed out in the front yard, under the tree, where they would sit and watch the world go by. In their lap was placed a hat for people to drop coins into as they drove by in their carriages. These disabled folks were said to be handy with their caps, which shortened to handicapped. In the business, when we hear people use this term, we know that they don't know anything about disabilities. So what is the proper terminology? Call me a person with a disability. It works just fine.