
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 29, 1991                   TAG: 9103290641
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WHEELCHAIR ISN'T ONLY MARK OF THE DISABLED

MOST DISABLED people are really self-conscious and don't have a lot of confidence in themselves. People like the writer of the March 14 letter, "Not all with tags look handicapped," make it even harder for us.

I think many people believe that handicapped parking is only for people in wheelchairs or with visible handicaps, which is not true. I was diagnosed as having muscular dystrophy 29 years ago at age 9. I was told I'd be in a wheelchair before I finished school; but thanks to the good Lord above and my determination, I'm still getting around on my own two feet.

Hey, do I look disabled? No! All I would have to do is pull my shoes off and show you my feet, and then I'm sure all doubts would be put aside.

If you ran into me somewhere on the street, I'd look just as normal as most people, but:

I can't walk barefooted; I've never known what it was like to wear a pair of heels; when I stoop, I can't get up without pulling up on something; trying to climb stairs feels like a mountain; and as for my balance - well, that's a joke.

By the way, I carry my groceries and packages, and I help other people when they need it. It's great exercise and if I keep my muscles active, just maybe they won't waste away as quickly. SHERYL L. GUY MONTVALE

by CNB