CW: Ableism
When I read Steve Way’s Time article, it was like he was talking directly to me. He’s promoting his TV show. At the same time, he’s worried if he’ll have the care he needs next year.
Sadly, millions of disabled people are worried about the same thing, including me. In the spring, Medicaid told me they were taking away my in-home care at night. Nighttime care isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for me to be able to live independently. I tried to act like everything was fine, but I couldn’t get rid of this nagging fear. It just stayed there, a constant, quiet noise.
There is also this culture, of what is often described as “inspiration porn,” glorifying disabled people who go to prom, or who score a touchdown. Headlines, smiles, feel good moments are what people love. But they don’t want to face the reality of policies funding, and systems, that are so fragile they can take away care with the push of a button. Celebrating a feel-good story is easy. Facing reality is much more difficult.
And there’s another paradox I’ve felt for years, which goes hand-in-hand with this: disabled people who work, who achieve, and who “overcome” are praised. The tone shifts when a disabled person is unable to work or receives benefits. We’re burdens. We’re lazy. People cheer for the disabled person who climbs a mountain, then say disparaging things about the disabled person who can’t climb a mountain. It’s a double standard. I’ve felt that judgment the sense that my worth is being measured by my productivity instead of my humanity.
This is the part that is hidden from people. They see the successes. They don’t know about the hours spent appealing decisions, how each envelope from an agency brings a sense of dread, or how the loss of one thing can bring years of stability to an end.
Way’s statement about being seen but not being helped hit home. I’m glad when people value my talents. But I can’t be safe at night no matter how talented I am if the care I need isn’t there. America wants our inspirational and heartwarming stories. Disabled people do not need to hear about being inspiring. There are real needs that we have to address like poverty, discrimination, employment, and healthcare.
His essay reminded me that there is no contradiction among disabled people. The real contradiction is found in the system. It’s in a culture that celebrates disabled achievement, but subtly and unconsciously undermines the conditions that make achievement possible.
My story, like Way’s, is nestled between those extremes. I am proud of myself and of the life I lead. I’m proud of my perseverance.
However, pride can’t overcome fear. Visibility doesn’t erase vulnerability. Being disabled in America isn’t a personal achievement. It feels like a constant battle with systems that can change in an instant.
Source:
Way, Steve. “The Contradiction at the Heart of Disability in America.” TIME, 27 July 2026, https://time.com/article/2026/07/27/the-contradiction-at-the-heart-of-disability-in-america/.