Tatiana A. Lee is the first model who uses a wheelchair to be featured by the clothing brand Torrid. The pictures evoked a positive response especially from other women with disabilities.
The pictures received comments like “So much more love or my favorite store as I am a wheelchair user as well.” Another person says, “Thank you for dressing and representing a variety of women.”
Tatiana’s pictures opened up a dialogue for what it means for a person with a disability to be seen as influential vs.inspirational. Tatiana wears a Cur8able Exclusive shirt designed by Stephanie Thomas that actually says “Inspirational? Influential.”
“We (people with disabilities) are not here for your inspiration.”
“Stephanie’s thought that this shirt was a great conversation piece and I agree, a lot of times able-body people tell others with disabilities ” Oh your so inspirational” but we are not here for your inspiration. I usually say to them, “what did I do to inspire you” if I’m living my normal life why is that so inspiring? Now to be influential takes more effort. Effort that a lot of times society doesn’t expect people with disabilities to make,” says Tatiana.
Stephanie commented on the difference between inspiration vs. influential by sharing a quote from KarenKeller.com:
“Inspiration vs. Influence
Inspiration sparks an emotional quickening. It uplifts, infuses us with hope, generates new ideas and gives us the sense of possibility and faith.
Influence exerts a specific, directive force to provoke change on a sometimes daily or consistent basis. Influence makes things happen.
Inspiration is emotional and passive. Influence is active and intentional.”
Check out the original post for more of pictures of Tatiana!