Author: Shari Cooper

As we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month, I love hearing stories from advocates and how they’ve thrived to succeed in life. People with disabilities make up a large part of the world today and although often underestimated, the positive energy we’re putting in the universe is, undeniable. Self-advocate, Richard Nunamaker is a man who has never... Read more »

It’s March and you all know what that means?  It’s time for college basketball, better known as March Madness. This is the time when colleges play hard and from their heart in hopes of being called, national champions. Dayton’s very own University of Dayton Flyers homeboys are balling and are number three in the nation... Read more »

To be a model, one must have confidence, especially if he or she wants to walk the runway. Dreams such as becoming a model can often be deterred if you have a disability. Many in the modeling industry are beautiful or have a unique look. The world doesn’t often associate the word disability and beautiful... Read more »

Occasionally, I’ll watch a movie that has a great impact on me. One of those movies happened to be, Just Mercy. Just Mercy stars the incredible, handsome actor, Michael B. Jordan and the amazing Academy Award actor, Jamie Fox. I knew this movie would be intense, but it really showed the ugliness that can sometimes... Read more »

Although we’ve had a light winter this year in the Dayton area, I can’t help but to start thinking, it won’t be long until one day I get snowed in! Some may not think about this but if you have a disability that causes you not to be able to get around in the snow,... Read more »

Everyone likes to have fun. Whether it’s going to a movie, party, out to dinner, attending a concert or spending an exciting day at an amusement park. Having fun and socialization is a very important part of life. I love having fun and have been blessed to have family and friends to help me carry... Read more »

  It’s that time again for me to celebrate the great African Americans who have paved, and still are paving, the way for myself and others to be happy, free and successful. It’s Black History month and here are just a few people I’d like to acknowledge. Glenda “Peggy” Pate-My beautiful, favorite and only sister... Read more »

It’s that time again when everyone settles in with all their favorite appetizers and beverages to watch the biggest sport event in the world, “The Big Game”! The “The Big Game” isn’t your typical sporting event, instead it’s the grandfather of them all. Most wait all year hoping their team will be the one to... Read more »

Occasionally there’s a blog topic I revisit because it is so important, and I want it to stay fresh on everyone’s mind!  One of those topics is disability awareness 101. As the public relations assistant at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, one of my duties is to help-out during New Hire Orientation. I teach a... Read more »

Whenever I go to a new city one of my concerns is transportation. For the average able-bodied person, Uber and Lyft gets he or she where they need to go. If you have a disability and depend on a motorized device for assistance, it’s not that easy to assure transportation. I must always do intensive... Read more »