Paralympians are extraordinary - but we shouldn't just see the 'pretty' side of disability

After a bumpy ride, the Paralympics start in Rio this week.

ITV News Producer Tamisha Archibald – a wheelchair user herself – gives her own perspective of the road to Rio for our valiant disabled athletes.

How can we ensure the whirlwind of enthusiasm for the Paralympics does not fade when the Olympic flag is lowered over Rio?

ParalympicsGB have a record number of athletes in Rio to represent us. For some it’s been an extraordinary journey.

As highlighted by our special ITV News series this past week, we focused on the efforts of four debutants for whom one thing seems certain – there is no cutting corners.

They are travelling to Rio the in pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of their sport and competing on the world’s biggest stage.

Forget about adversity - these four have everything it takes to carry the burden of a nation’s expectation.

If you witnessed the events of London 2012 you may agree that sport equalises people like nothing else can.

A leader without all their limbs is still a leader. A winner can ride on wheels. A Paralympian can certainly pack a punch.

Disability is never dreamt about, but after the damage has been done, dreaming does not cease.

As Dimitri Coutya advises us to: “Dream Big”. That is something he has done having dedicated himself to sport from a young age.

It was only once he found fencing that he realised he could indeed reach his goals - and surpass them.

Dedication, drive, creativity and tenacity are qualities of any high achiever. Megan Giglia is no exception.

A former coach and avid sports fan, she found the shoe on the other foot after a stroke at 27.

She rewrote her plans for the future and eventually that resulted in the emergence of a whole new persona.

Rob Oliver’s talents lay at his feet, but after a sudden and shattering football injury he too had to reassess his goals.

As human beings we are all affected by experiences in different ways.

All four of these individuals demonstrate this and show sport can be a powerful tool. It can inspire. It can heal.

I think it’s fair to say all these athletes have super human qualities.

They have the ability to rise up after they have fallen - stronger and more determined than ever.

However, the term ‘super human’ coined a few years ago doesn’t quite sit right with me.

Paralympians should not be put on a pedestal.

They should take their place on the podium - not to lift them above others, but to enable them to stand shoulder to shoulder with their sporting comrades.

Without diminishing the extraordinary achievement of these sportspeople, I have to say I tired of only seeing the “pretty” side of disability.

When the race is won and the anthem sung, we all return to reality and the almost euphoric illusion of equality melts away.

We go back to an everyday evasion of disability and how it fits into our society.

So as you cheer and celebrate the success of the Paralympians, spare a thought for those who do not choose sport as their vehicle to rise above the parapet of anonymity.

For some even the smallest things are an achievement and a step towards their own golden moments.

Diversity is one of the greatest assets of our species, and we should all be given a chance to shine.