Special Needs ...by any other name

Or so goes the popular saying A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.

The term special needs was coined to be used in clinical diagnostic and functional development to describe individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental, or psychological.

I wonder how this term is perceived by a variety of people. Since it has become a "catch all" phrase, I wonder if people do not like the term. Just as there have been others words throughout history that were at one time acceptable and now not, is special needs a terms that is here to stay?

What do you think of the term? Does it fit for you or is there a better choice?