By Susan Gager

EUGENE, Ore. -- Getting an education, going to work and having a social life are basic rights for Americans citizens.

But some people with disabilities say they often feel excluded from those rights, and they're asking the community to look them in the eye.

Looking someone in the eye is a first sign of respect, and people with disabilities say although it's a small thing, it's what they deserve. They hope the act will help the public move beyond stereotypes.

Eugene and Springfield mayors alongside the director of KidSports came together to help launch the public awareness campaign. The campaign is designed to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The disabled community says part of the problem is that people don't know how to act toward the disabled, and they hope the campaign will help break down barriers to communication and understanding.

"Even though they may know it and comprehend at a much faster pace like this, I can do the same thing, but at a slower pace," said Michael Miller of the "Look Me in the Eye" Campaign.

Campaign organizers hope to make existing programs, such as the Oregon Supported Living, more efficient. And they hope the awareness will encourage citizens to use the campaign as a model of acceptance across all groups.

The "Look Me In the Eye" campaign officially kicks off next week. Volunteers will post signs and air commercials featuring the campaign, and cities from all over the Willamette Valley have signed a proclamation to participate in the awareness.