Author: Shari Cooper

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be celebrating its 34th anniversary on July 26th. The ADA that was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990. Because of the ADA, I have the freedom as a person with a disability to have a good life. And a good life is what... Read more »

Using emojis is fun and makes communicating more exciting. Emojis were created in 1999 by Japanese artist, Shigetaka Kurita, for Japan’s mobile carrier NTT Docomo’s mobile platform, I-mode. These days, emojis are a national way of writing messages. They are so popular that one could use them to send a message using little to no... Read more »

Today is Fashion Day! If you know me and know me well, then you know I love to be fashionable. Every day I strategically chose what I’m going to wear. It doesn’t even matter if I’m going anywhere, I still put on my fashionable clothes and accessories because they make me feel good from the... Read more »

July 21-27 is Ohio Service Dog Awareness Week.  Unless you have a service dog, you’ll never understand the depth of the relationship between a service dog and its handler. Today, welcome guest-blogger Linda Pelfrey as she gives you an inside look at this unique bond. Shari In February of this year, my 7th Seeing Eye... Read more »

Hooray, hooray, today is Social Media Day! Because of social media outlets, my life has transformed tremendously! Social media outlets allow people to not only reach out to loved ones and friends, but it’s also a good way to find out what’s going on in the community and to see what events I may like... Read more »

Toy mega mogul, Mattel, is at it again! Barbie now has a service animal! For years, I’ve been blogging about how I wished there were more opportunities for Barbie to showcase more disabilities and inclusion.  For a long time, there were no barbies representing girls with disabilities. No matter your color, age, or disability, you... Read more »

I love watching ducks. When my favorite guy and I were first dating, he used to take me downtown to the Riverscape and we would sit on the swing near the water, talk, and watch the ducks. Ducks are cool creatures, and they seem to be very laid back. One thing a duck needs to... Read more »

June is Pride Month! Welcome guest blogger Donna Lavoie as she shares how acceptance enhanced her family’s dynamics. Shari It seems like this year is flying by.  Here we are at the beginning of June. Pride Month is celebrated here in the U.S. and across the world. Recognizing those who identify as LGBTQ+. For my... Read more »

Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Miracle Clubhouse has helped many people who suffer with mental illness. On June 4th, a nationwide Day of Giving will be take place for Clubhouse International around the country. Welcome guest blogger, Buddy as he shares how the clubhouse has helped him. Remember, awareness is key. Shari   The sign on... Read more »

I love bands! A few of my favorites are Kool & the Gang, The Gap Band, Journey, Earth Wind & Fire and Dayton’s own funk band, The Ohio Players. Usually, when a band forms, members come together because of a common thread of the love of music. Other bands have been formed because of similar... Read more »