Category: Make Things Happen

Blogger-in-chief, award-winning public speaker, and disability awareness advocate Shari Cooper provides insight, humor, and reflection on a range of issues.

28 of the Best Black History 2023

Welcome to Black History Month and my annual 28 of the greatest people who’ve influenced my life! Jonathon Cooper-my brother and the best maintenance man in the city. Jay, who’s two years older than me, was my play buddy growing up and most of all, my friend. Thanks for being a great big brother. Lois... Read more »
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Accessible Gaming

My brother, Jay, would always receive gaming systems as a gift for the holidays and birthdays.  The very first system was an Atari and then a Nintendo. I loved playing both and, of course, he’d let me play because as he says, “I’m his little sister.” Plus, I would bug the heck out of him.... Read more »
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Fifty & Fabulous

Guess who’s going to be 50 years old on Friday. Yes, me! I can’t believe I’m going to be half a century old. Feels like I was just 21 years old yesterday. Matter fact let’s look back. When I turned 16, I had a sweet sixteenth party and started my journey to independence. At 18,... Read more »
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The 2023 Ditch

Did you know January 17th is National Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day? Statistics show if you’ve made a New Year’s resolution, it is more than likely you will break it by January 17th.  To be honest, I thought the date for breaking resolutions would have been sooner. In fact, only nine percent actually keep their... Read more »
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The Magic of Frosty

One thing I like during the holiday season is watching movies. I love Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and it will always be one of my favorites, but this year, I thought I’d give Frosty the Snowman a little love. Tiny, “my big ole fur baby” and I watched the lovable snow guy together. Well,... Read more »
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Holiday Accessible Style By: Mary Ellen Pfeil

It’s the holiday season and many have different ways of enjoying it. I love this time and all the activities that come along with it, including spending time with family, watching holiday movies, listening to the Soulful Christmas Station, and wearing my festive pajamas around the house. Sometimes, when a person has a disability, barriers... Read more »
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The CP Question

I was recently asked the question, when did I know that I had cerebral palsy (cp). To my knowledge, that was the first time I had been asked that question and it kind of stumped me for a minute. When you’re born with a disability, it just becomes part of your everyday life that one... Read more »
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Happy Holidays- Kwanzaa Edition By: Dorian Buford

As we approach the holiday season, there are many traditions that are celebrated this time of the year. Kwanzaa is one that brings much excitement too many during this season. To share the meaning of this unique holiday, I’d like to welcome today’s guest-blogger and Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion member, Dorian... Read more »
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Thankful 2022

The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us and, I must say, I’ve got much to be thankful for. This year, I would like to give a special shout-out to my favorite guy, Darryl. Darryl and I have been together, going on nine years. Relationships are tricky and when adding a disability, I must say my guards... Read more »
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