I have seen a lot of non-disabled people using the I-Word lately. I mean more than normal. What is the I-Word I am referring to? Inspiration is the word I am talking about. If ever there was a word so loaded with guilt and admiration of the little (or big) things others do, it is this one. The problem is people with disabilities cannot seem to escape the I-Word. Everywhere they go there is some sap waiting for the next “inspiring” gimp. It is like there is an army of people out there so guilty that people with disabilities don’t have jobs, housing, healthcare or an occasional boner; that they must find them "inspirational".

I have heard it or read it, seen it or felt it:

June Cleaver Inspiration
The joyful and longing stare, slight smile, head cocked slightly to one side, and then it hits you. Oh my God! You are my ultimate hero! Look at you in that wheelchair and crossing the street all by yourself. Yea, you inspire me. I am going home to do 100 push-ups right now. Twenty minutes later the same lady is sucking down a Venti caramel mocha with extra whip cream at the local Starbucks.