I am not your inspiration
“Instead of calling a disabled person “inspirational,” use more specific adjectives that refer to the person’s unique and positive qualities, not just broad stereotypes of disabled people in general.Cite specific ways the disabled person has demonstrated these positive qualities — something more than just appearing minimally healthy and happy in public. Show that you recognize them as a three-dimensional person, not a cardboard cutout.If the feeling of inspiration comes from how the disabled person has weathered hardship, dig into the hardship and how it might be reduced. Remember that hardship isn’t just a character-building opportunity to demonstrate virtue. It’s also often a symptom of injustice and failure — of bad things that should not have happened. Surviving ableism is admirable and sometimes empowering. But that doesn’t make ableism itself a good thing.Finally, if you find “inspirational” on the tip of your tongue when discussing people with disabilities, stop and think. You don’t necessarily have to censor yourself. But be aware that rightly or wrongly, the word is at best problematic and at worst toxic for many disabled people.And then maybe think of something more specific, personal, and original to say.”https://apple.news/AG4x9lEEuTgmQWgCB97FWGg
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