My Existence Isn’t an Inspiration
Throughout my childhood, I frequently heard remarks about how I was an inspiration to others because despite being disabled, I still managed to live a fulfilling life. I always interpreted this as a compliment because it seemed as though people respected me more when they saw that my disability did not hinder me from pursuing the life I desired. However, a part of me always wondered why my existence and ability to live a normal life was seen as such an "inspiration" solely because I relied on a wheelchair. It wasn't until I grew older that I realized this so-called "compliment" was actually a judgment of my worth and value as a person.
Based on my understanding, an inspirational individual is someone who motivates someone or others to accomplish amazing things. When I consider the people who inspire me, I think of Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Katherine Johnson, Issa Rae, and numerous incredible Black women who have achieved remarkable feats and inspire me to do the same in life. That is the essence of inspiration.
When people see me at one of my favorite local coffee shops or at the rooftop with my friends in my wheelchair and say, "Oh my goodness! You're an inspiration," that does not embody true inspiration. I am simply living my life, just like anyone else. People have merely observed that my disability does not affect my ability to live the life I want. Consequently, they perceive me as more valuable than disabled people who have difficulties or may not have the ability to live the life they want due to the limitations imposed by their disabilities.
Join Our Movement
What started as an idea has become a national movement. With your support, we can influence policy and inspire lasting change.
Become an Advocate
The phrase "you're an inspiration" is not actually a compliment because it often evaluates the worth and value of disabled people based on their abilities. This “compliment” is often given to disabled people are just existing in public, just living life. This “compliment” is barely given to disabled people who may not have the ability to be in public, as if abled bodied people forget (which they do) that there are disabled people who are limited and may not have the same ability to go out and live the life they wish as other disabled people with those abilities. They still deserve the same respect. They still are valuable. Yet, they are often overlooked.
Respect should not be given solely based on a disabled person's capabilities, and we should not feel punished for having limitations. The truth is, when someone has a disability, they have some or many limitations and that is perfectly acceptable. Respect should still be given because we are all human beings. Society has led us to believe that we must be flawless in order to be treated fairly, given respect, shown kindness, and acknowledged. Honestly, just being ourselves should be enough to receive those things.
My existence as a disabled woman living life isn’t an inspiration. When people say "you're such an inspiration," what I interpret is that they find more worth in me based on my ability to live life despite being in a wheelchair. While I am grateful for the abilities that allow me to live the life I desire, these abilities should not be what determines my value as a person, nor should abled-bodied people should feel they have power to make that judgement. I should be recognized as a valuable human being simply because I am one, not because of my capabilities. This applies to every disabled person on this Earth - we are valuable and worthy simply because we exist.