I’m not an Inspiration

This may be a controversial opinion…

There’s a tendency to look at someone who is disabled and doing a normal task and calling them inspirational. A person in a wheelchair going grocery shopping is not inspirational. A visually impaired individual walking down the street is not inspirational. We are not your inspiration porn.

I’ve been put on a pedestal that I have not asked to be on many times, not because of my accomplishments, but because I’ve found a way to navigate society with a disability. Yes, disabled individuals are powerful and resilient, but looking at them as if their existence as a success downplays their actual successes.

I don’t like the idea of me just existing being the thing that makes others want to take action. I want that to come from within.