Author: Shari Cooper

More and more American companies and non-profits are embracing DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in the workplace, including Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley (GESMV).  The agency has a DEI facilitator and a committee which offer education for employees on different cultures, as well as encouraging the conversation to continue about diversity, equity and inclusion.... Read more »

When attending events such as concerts, plays and movies, I’m always concerned that the accessible wheelchair seating won’t be as accessible as the venue thinks. Don’t get me wrong, the seating is usually pretty good, just sometimes it is difficult for the venue to look at in my perspective. I use my scooter “Cherry” for... Read more »

It’s that time again, kiddos are going back to school. I mentioned in previous posts that due to a difficult birth, my parents were informed by doctors that there was a strong possibility I may have a disability. By them knowing this, they had me assessed at a young age. I truly believe if my... Read more »

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is turning 32, I have quality of life. As a person with a disability, I don’t know where I would be without this civil rights act; for it has opened up a world of opportunities for myself and so many others. My friend, Maria Matzik, and... Read more »

July is Disability Pride Month, and I’m hyped. Although, I face many challenges as a person with a disability, I’m proud of myself and very proud to be a part of this unique community. In this case, the definition of pride is; the achievements of the those whom one is closely associated with, or from... Read more »

As the world turns, so does people’s age. Aging is a part of life, and just because it is, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a quality of life. Along with aging may come many challenges. One such challenge is Dementia, which will require people who poses empathy to bring forth special care to those who... Read more »

Unfortunately, the caregiver crisis is still alive, and well. Since my blog on this issue a few months ago, I know of at least one of my friends under the age of sixty who’s had to go into a nursing home. My friend was not ill, but instead, needed everyday care to live which includes,... Read more »

Last weekend my favorite guy and I had a great adventure on the island of Put-In-Bay. I heard a lot about this unique island, so I decided to go see for myself what all the hype was about. Like with everywhere I go, I did my homework on activities, restaurants, and accessibility challenges that I... Read more »

Often, when you have a speech impairment or are non-verbal, people think you’re incompetent. I know this to be true because I have a speech impairment and have been fighting that stigma all my life.  In my current role as Public Relations Assistant, I give many presentations about the programs Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley offers... Read more »

As an African American, I’m very proud to celebrate Juneteenth! Just to give you a little history of how Juneteenth came to be, President Abraham Lincoln originally freed slaves by signing the Emancipation Proclamation into law, January 1,1863. Unfortunately, some were not very happy.  No matter how much we try to ignore or not want... Read more »