Inspiration

I get called an inspiration a lot. I know that word irks many people with disabilities but, honestly, I don't mind it.

Yes, I'm against "inspiration porn", when disabled individuals are considered inspirational solely based on being disabled. However, if someone thinks I'm an inspiration because of something I've done, like applied to a job, gone to college, or traveled to a comic convention on my own, and it gives them hope that, one day, their child just might be able to do something similar, then I'm flattered!

People with disabilities, like anyone else, should be respected for what they can do, not just for who they are. At the same time, as with other issues I've written about like freebies and symbols, I think this is one of those things people within the disability community just need to calm down about.

If someone is inspired by you in some way, that's a compliment. Whether you want to accept it or not, that's up to you, but just remember to be polite. There are way worse things people can say or do than praise you for something.

Cheers!