 How can having a disability be an asset, not a deficit? Men in wheelchair speaking, Derek O'Brien. I find if you ask politely for people to lend a hand, they'd be willing to at least give you a little bit of their time and help you out as much as they can. John Lemieux. The ability to look at things differently, the ability to look at myself differently is one of the positive things that's come out of my amputation. Man in wheelchair speaking, Bud Buzzel. I can still get out and work. I can get out and do my grocery shopping and do my housework without having to hire somebody. Having to hire somebody to do it for me. Woman speaking American Sign Language, The asset in a disability for me are my eyes. As a deaf person, because I can't hear, that doesn't mean at all that I can't appreciate the birds singing because what I do is I watch them fly. I see nature around me and I appreciate it more. I relate to people visually. I have a real visual appreciation. I guess that's what you'd say. The support came to his right, Ken Shapiro. My disability is giving me a greater appreciation for diverse viewpoints and maybe a better, more patient problem solver. Karen Perry. Disabled people have a lot of opportunities available to them, including therapy and adaptive activities. Haley, pass. Having a disability can be an asset and not a deficit because it makes you unique and as well as having an open mind about the world. James Devine. It's my observation that a lot of people with disabilities make up for the lack in one specific area by building up their abilities in other areas. In other words, a blind person becomes a very good hearer who is really tuned into music or whatever, more so than the average Joe on the street. Jessica Russell. Having a disability allows me to connect with others in the disability community and instantly form bonds and unite and try to make change together. 18 years ago, I became a part of a minority group and that has pushed me to fight for change and equality. Portland Disability Advisory Committee. For more information about the committee, please go to www.portlandmain.gov made by the Portland Media Center, portlandmedia.org.