Inspire Sierra- What’s in a name?

The word “Inspire” has a lot of baggage in the disability community. Disabled people often hear about how inspirational we are, even when we aren’t being particularly extraordinary. Got to the grocery store alone? Marvelous! Had the courage to go to work? Victorious! Made it to church on Sunday? You guessed it- “inspirational”.

I would argue this isn’t the correct use of the word. Actually inspiring someone involves giving them the desire and confidence to do something. I doubt someone at the grocery store needed me to show up in a wheelchair to gain the motivation to get that can of beans off the shelf.

So why do people say it? Anyone can become disabled at any time- a frightening prospect. People without disabilities subconsciously develop narratives around what a life with reduced mobility would look like- narratives fueled by some pretty negative media stereotypes. How often do we see disabled people portrayed as happy, independent and competent? Not that frequently. Instead, movies like “Me before You” and “Million Dollar Baby” assume disabled people would rather die than live their life as a wheelchair user.

Spoiler alert- we wouldn’t. Our wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, braces are all just tools allowing us to do the job of day-to-day living.

At Inspire Sierra we decided to take ownership of that word metaphorically and literally. Truth be told, there’s some incredible people who taught me how to adapt to my life with a spinal cord injury. Because of them I learned to use adaptive equipment, try new sports, and become a better advocate. People in the disability community made my life quantifiably better, and because of them I live a fuller life with more meaning and less fear.

Likewise, we would like to help you develop the desire, confidence, and skills to face the difficult things in your life head on. We’d like to help you mindfully connect with the people and things that are most important, whether the barriers you are facing are psychological, physical, or both.

As for Hollywood- the main character in “Me Before You” could have addressed his suicidal thoughts with a competent mental health team and lived to marry that cute girlfriend, have some kids, maybe start a foundation. Hilary Swank’s character in “Million Dollar Baby” could have gone on to win Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair rugby.

So before you say the word, I invite you pause and ask are you truly inspired?