If you see a piece of trash on ground, if you can, pick it up. If you find someone’s wallet, return it. If you see someone wanting to get in front of you in a line of traffic, allow it. Participate in world you live in by responding to it and being active. All too often we turn our backs on people involved around us. Or even worse, we don’t accept our own personal moral responsibility. We assume other people will pick up for us or will cover our mishaps.

Think about your involvement in world. Think about your daily consumptions. Are you conserving environment or simply consuming? Think about what differences you can make on a personal level to enact a change. Become informed about products or foods you use. Get involved with organizations or causes that you believe in. Most important get your family involved too. It our responsibility to be aware of our surroundings and be aware of our involvement within those surroundings. Chances are you will discover each one of us has more power to make a change than we choose to exhibit.

3. Offer assistance when necessary. You see a woman in a wheelchair having trouble entering a building or negotiating steps. You'd like to help, but don't want to embarrass her. What should you do?

It's usually appropriate to lend a hand if someone is having obvious difficulty, but keep in mind that not everyone will be willing to accept your help. It's not much different than pulling over and offering assistance to a motorist with a flat tire. Unless woman in wheelchair is in danger, it isn't necessary to press issue if they refuse your help. You did your part.

4. Remember that we all have obstacles to overcome. No matter who we are, each of us has a weakness or challenge to face. How do you feel when you are treated differently for being bald, short, or heavyset? Like you, a disabled person would much rather be accepted for who they are, rather than be pitied or shunned because of a disability. Many friends and colleagues have said to me, "I often forget that you are blind." To me, that is ultimate compliment.

Meeting someone with a disability doesn't have to be an intimidating experience. Asking questions, offering assistance, and putting yourself in their shoes can go a long way toward recognizing them as people with normal thoughts and feelings who just happen to have a disability. Who knows? You might make some new friends in process.