DEAR ABBY: I am a person with a handicap and have recently noticed a trend in theaters that pleases me. Two seats are provided in the back of the theater so that people in wheelchairs and their loved one or friend can attend the movies and sit together.
Unfortunately, sometimes these seats are occupied by able-bodied people. When I have asked someone to give up the seat so my wife and I could sit together, I was refused. This has probably happened to other people, too.
Abby, please advise your readers that these seats are meant to accommodate people in wheelchairs, and able-bodied people should not occupy them. And while you're at it, please thank those theater owners who thoughtfully provide seating for people with disabilities. -- MIKE A. BURK, TERRE HAUTE, IND.
DEAR MIKE: If the seats are clearly marked so that patrons know the purpose of the short row, able-bodied people should sit elsewhere. If the area is not marked, speak with the theater manager about marking them as "Reserved for people with disabilities."
Should you have trouble with a patron refusing to move, talk to the usher.