Journalist Melanie Reid, who was paralysed in a horseriding accident, has credited the London 2012 Paralympics for changing attitudes towards disability.
The Times columnist said the sporting event and initiatives such as the Invictus Games - founded by Prince Harry - had acted as "ice-breakers" and removed stigma for people with disabilities.
The 58-year-old, who broke her spine and neck in 2010, spoke as she received an MBE for services to journalism and people with disabilities from the Duke of Cambridge during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Ms Reid, whose injuries inspired a weekly column in The Times, told the Press Association: "I think there is far more tolerance and positive recognition for disability now.
"It's a slow process but I definitely think that people in wheelchairs get acknowledged and treated in a better way than they used to.
"Just because people now recognise that they are people ... they aren't just lumps of metal."
She added: "The Paralympics and the Invictus Games have been ice-breakers in that regard, because the easiest thing in the world is just to ignore someone in a wheelchair."
Ms Reid, from Stirling in Scotland, said she thought it was "absolutely terrific" that awareness was being raised about spinal injuries through her column.
"I think it's great if I can do some good," she said.
"I write to help myself but if in doing so I help other people then I'm thrilled. It makes it worthwhile."
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