Christopher Reeve gave advice and inspiration Friday afternoon in his keynote speech for the Solidarity ’97 conference luncheon at the Columbus Convention Center. “People with disabilities can inspire others to do great things,” Reeve said. “Look past the disability and see the person. Take down the barriers that make situations more comfortable. Make the extra effort to help.” These were the words of wisdom he had for the non-disabled.”Hope is the key to getting through the situation,” Reeve said. He said that he will never give up hope and urged others with disabilities to do the same.”Don’t let your body fall apart because you’re going to need it. Don’t feel there’s anything shameful about asking for help,” he said. “Never, ever give up fighting.” Reeve emphasized the advantages of employing disabled people. He told about their energy and enthusiasm that radiates throughout the workplace. “They make people realize how much more they can accomplish because they’re not disabled and they’re just taking their ability for granted,” he said.He urged people to see those with disabilities as themselves, not as strangers, and to think “it could be me.”He instructed disabled people to have hope and to realize the unlimited opportunities they have. Reeve advocated for more rights to make sure that restaurants and other public places comply with standards set by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.In closing his speech, he received a standing ovation from the audience. The Solidarity conferences were created in 1989 by a group of disability leaders who planned to bring Ohioans together to share information. A conference has been held every two years since 1989, and in 1995 more than 750 people attended.Solidarity promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities and works to enrich the quality of life and productivity by promoting awareness, education and participation in work and community life.