Disabled people are often asked to explain what is "wrong." This can be particularly offensive when asked out of the context of a conversation or when first being introduced to someone. I am not first and foremost disabled. Most people do not mind being asked about their disability when the subject comes up naturally. In those situations I prefer letting people who are curious know "what happened." They seem to feel more at ease when they understand why I am in a wheelchair.

It is easy, nevertheless, to get annoyed at repeating the same, often unpleasant, story again and again. This information is personal and someone may or may not want to volunteer it. You would not go up to a person and ask, "Hey, why are you divorced?"

Another question I'm frequently asked is how I manage to get along at Harvard. I can honestly say that being a disabled student is not terribly more difficult than being an able-bodied one. I know: I've spent two years here each way. Of course there are problems, but in general they are no more overwhelming than what the average student faces; they are merely different sorts of problems.

As a disabled person I don't demand any special consideration. I just want an equal opportunity to share in the programs and activities that my able-bodied peers enjoy. I want people to look beyond the wheelchair and see the person in it, to focus less on my disability and more on my abilities.

Disabled people can lead very full, productive and happy lives if given the opportunity. The recognition of this fact by those around us will help decide whether we will succeed. By modifying our own man-made physical environment, by providing required services and by rethinking our culturally-induced attitudes, we all can help the disabled become remarkable less handicapped.

Marc Fiedler 78 is president of ABLE, a student group Advocating a Better Learning Environment.