Editor's note: You may see Mary in her electric wheelchair as she shuttles around town, at church, or as she participates in various community activities.

By Mary Hepburn

Being disabled has its advantages. Honest.

When I first started writing about life as a disabled person, I wanted the column to be called, “From Where I Sit.”

And, that’s how it is – life from where I sit and what I see.

Being in a wheelchair does have its perks:
When I was at the Neville Center recently, many people were turned away because seating was gone. Then I rolled up, and was sent right in because there were a couple of handicapped spaces available.

At a conference, there was room for 50 chairs. Not to worry, I bring my own chair – or wheelchair, as the case may be.

There is usually a designated area for the handicapped in bathrooms, or there may be an entire handicapped bathroom.

Many children are eager to ask questions about the wheelchair and why I can’t walk. I enjoy these encounters.

It is easy to make eye contact with children and the elderly. We often see the world from the same vantage point.

When shopping, I love the stores where the aisles are wide and I can zoom around (I don’t get tired) in my wheelchair. When check-out time comes, I often have my own designated line.

If people open the door for me, I can strike up a conversation and continue the kindness with a “thank-you.”

I have my own little cubby-hole area in my church that accommodates my wheelchair.
Elevators are usually available and it is not frowned upon that we don’t use the stairs for our daily exercise.

Front row seating at most sporting events.

Most restaurants have designated seating and are quick to accommodate the disabled and their party.

My caregivers are pleased to drive me shopping because they know we will get a parking spot close to the store. There should be one handicapped spot for every 50 parking spaces.
One should find designated motel/hotel rooms close to the front desk. These rooms are more spacious and very accommodating.

If the establishment can’t be renovated to meet handicapped accessibility requirements, many service people come out of their office or building to my “office on wheels.”
See, being disabled does have its advantages. It all depends on how you look at it “from where I sit.”