Thinking Bigger Than "Inspiration"

An absolutely fantastic article in New Mobility by wheelchair-using writer Emily Ladau takes on the issue of “inspiration” narratives around people with disabilities. Ladau starts with an experience of having to eat dinner on the street because of a physically inaccessible restaurant, and imagines how mainstream media might reframe this as a touching story in ways that make it easier to dismiss as a significant social policy issue.

She writes, “People can read or watch inspirational stories, click the ‘share’ button, and go on with their day. But what happens after the quick hit of warm, fuzzy feelings? They may be moved to grab tissues in that initial moment, but most likely sure won’t be motivated to take real action.”

Don’t miss this extraordinary piece, and check out Ladau’s website, Words I Wheel By, for more of her fierce and powerful work.