Author: Shari Cooper

It gets on my nerves when someone responds negatively to seeing a person with a disability expressing their emotions. It’s especially frustrating when people consider it “weird”. When something makes me happy or sad, I express my emotions in my own way, just like everyone else. While I can usually contain stronger emotions in a... Read more »

Today, June 11, 2025, is National Say “Hi” Day. I’d like to celebrate it by telling you, my peeps in blog nation, “Hi!” and I hope you are having an amazing day! I love it when someone tells me, “Hi!” Whether it comes from a stranger or someone I know, when those two letters form... Read more »

I love fashionable clothing, but I also love fashionable decor for my home. When my favorite guy and I first purchased our home, it seemed like I was buying something to beautify it every weekend. That was eight years ago, and although I’ve been buying things along the way, I’m ready for even more facelifts!... Read more »

As my life progresses, I keep looking for resources that are going to help me keep growing successfully and happy. My mother sought resources for me until my early teens, when I started looking for resources for myself. I highly recommend people with disabilities seek their own resources as soon as they are able. Even... Read more »

It’s time for longer days, short sleeves, nice weather and hamburgers! You probably know by now that I love pizza! What you might not know is, I also love a good burger. There’s nothing better than biting down into a good, well-done juicy burger. At least that’s the way I like mine. It just so... Read more »

According to my mom, becoming a Grandparent is one of God’s greatest gifts. She had a boatload of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she loved to the moon and back and they loved her even further. Mom came from the old school where she took up the name Granny. Today’s guest-blogger Donna is about to embark... Read more »

Recently, I heard a news anchor use the word “handicap” when referring to people with disabilities. When I hear this word, I think: “Don’t networks know they should be using People-First” Language (PFL)?” ” Handicap” has a negative connotation. It makes it sound as if people with disabilities can’t do anything. If you know anything... Read more »

One day, everyone is going to grow old. To maintain a sense of independence, a person is going to need resources. On that note, join my friend and coworker Cindy Carusone as she serves as guest blogger and share some of the resources Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley offers the senior population. Shari Did you know... Read more »

When traveling, it’s always nice to see the different accommodations cities offer people with disabilities. Some cities offer basic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, while others go above and beyond to make sure including everyone is part of their mission. I’m happy to be from Dayton, because my city is knocking it out of... Read more »

I really like the reality show, “Survivor”! Each season brings a new adventure from an exotic destination featuring a wide range of colorful contestants. Like the saying goes, everyone has a story. I’ve heard many heartfelt stories from Survivor contestants over years, but this year’s story from Eva Erickson touched me so deeply, I just... Read more »