As I was walking into work Thursday morning, a lady approached me.

She said, “Good morning,” and I responded likewise.

She went on, “I think you are very inspiring. You have provided me with motivation to get through a circumstance in my life. I have watched you get better over the past few months. Have a good day.”

I told her that I appreciated her words and then walked away.

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I have been physically disabled for nearly eight years following a spinal cord injury. I am obviously disabled, as I walk with a limp.

While I’m sure the lady meant well, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s not the first time a random person has approached me and said I inspired or motivated them. In fact, complete strangers have even said they will pray for my recovery.

In this case, I assume she was inspired that I consistently showed up to work—with a physical disability.

I find it incredible that many people expect so little from disabled people. I don’t find it particularly inspiring that I have my shit together and can make it to work on time each day. If she was inspired by performance, that’s a different matter. But she wasn’t. She doesn’t know me or my aptitude.

This is a case of inspiration porn, in which a person draws motivation or inspiration from a disabled person’s adversity. From a first principles standpoint, there is nothing inspiring about me showing up to work. That’s my job. That’s the minimum expectation. But because I’m disabled, it’s perceived as outstanding and motivating.

Her words also reminded me that I’m an outsider. People will always perceive my physical nature first and make assumptions. I can’t just be a hard-working employee. My disability is omnipresent.

I am very disability positive, but sometimes, I just want to be seen as more than my physical abilities.