Blog #1- My Experience with Disabilities & "Inspiration Porn"

Family has always been something I hold very close to my heart. Growing up, I was taught that family is everything. Having a cousin with autism shaped my understanding of love, respect, and equality from a very young age. I learned early on that no matter what challenges a person might face, they still deserve to be treated with love, respect, and dignity—just like everyone else. Being around my cousin, seeing the world through his eyes, and watching him navigate life showed me that disabilities do not define who a person is or what they can achieve.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned from my cousin is that people with disabilities can dream big and accomplish anything they set their minds to. I have watched him work hard, exceed expectations, and accomplish things that many might have thought impossible. Whether it was graduating high school, going to college, or securing a job where he interacts with people and handles real-life situations, his accomplishments serve as a constant reminder of what’s possible when people are supported and treated with respect.

In my family, everyone treated my cousin the same way they would treat me or anyone else. There was no special treatment, no pity, and no holding back. The people around him communicated with him just as they would with anyone else, and this created a sense of equality and empowerment. I came to realize that disability doesn’t change a person’s worth, nor does it determine their abilities, potential, or character. What truly matters is the support, kindness, and encouragement that we give each other, regardless of differences.

I grew up learning about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disability that can affect social interactions, communication, and behavior. Having this knowledge at a young age helped me understand that disabilities are not something to be feared or looked down upon. Instead, they should be embraced as part of the unique qualities that make each person who they are. People with autism, like my cousin, have incredible strengths and talents that should be celebrated, not minimized or used as a tool for cheap inspiration.

"Inspiration porn" is a term that has become widely used to describe how people with disabilities are often portrayed in the media as inspirational simply for living their lives or achieving things that others might consider basic. This kind of portrayal reduces a person to their disability, turning their everyday actions into extraordinary feats. It places the spotlight on their struggles instead of their full humanity, reducing them to objects of pity or admiration. I strongly dislike this concept, as it fails to recognize the complexity of individuals with disabilities, treating them as one-dimensional symbols of "overcoming" instead of real people with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles.

At the end of the day, everyone—whether they have a disability or not—deserves to be treated with the same respect, love, and kindness. Disabilities should never be a reason to look down on someone or treat them differently. I believe that by embracing differences and being compassionate, we can build a world where everyone feels valued and empowered to chase their dreams.

Sources: 

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd