b'same educational opportunities as able persons,watching a video and thinking, Im too and what can our society do to make thatyoung for a caneif that person can walk happen? again, so can I, ask yourself, Shouldnt Inspiration porn also often holds up thepeople of every age have the tools they need idea of overcoming disability as favorable.to stay independent? Perhaps I can regain For example, walking down the aisle at asome ability, but should I be ashamed to wedding is a common theme. Videos circulateuse a tool I need in the meantime? of the disabled bride or groom rising from3. Think before you click Share. Inspirational their wheelchair and walking down the aisle,storiesonsocialmediaaredesignedto and they are lauded as an inspirationbutmake us emotional. Stop and think critically do we know what it cost them? Did they spendabout the messages implied by the story the lead-up to their wedding stressed out andand what they suggest about the disabled exhausted to accomplish this goal? Did theycommunity. If you still want to share the walk down the aisle only to become fatiguedstory, consider whether some added context shortly after and unable to enjoy the receptionwould help. fully? Did they lose out on time with friendsBenevolent ableism is not the compliment and family because of pain? Why exactly isit may be intended to be. By making the walkingdowntheaislesuperiortorollingeveryday seem heroic and inspiring, it closes down the aisle? Isnt that belief rooted in theoff and reinforces what is imagined possible idea of disabled bodies being inferior? Is afor people with disabilities. Only by recognizing seated bride or groom any less married thanand challenging our own biases and embracing a standing one? people with disabilities as a whole person These questions are not meant to diminishwho experience good days and bad days do the accomplishments of anyone seeking towe do justice to their actual achievements regain their physical abilities, nor to imply thereand our own. is anything wrong with a goal of walking down the aisle. Such inspirational videos rarely reect the reality of living with a disability and often unintentionally reinforce the idea that disabled people are lesser than nondisabled people. BeetttteerraapppprrooaacchheessBSo, what can we do to combat the harmful effects of inspiration porn?1. Share your experience of living with a disability, both the good and the bad. Help people to understand what normal looks likefor you.Disabilityispartofthefull range of human experience. 2. Challenge ableism where you nd iteven in yourself. For example, if you nd yourself 15 msfocusmagazine.org'