Author: Shari Cooper

As a person with a disability, I can admit, I probably don’t worry about my disability as much as my mom does.  All a mother wants to do is to make sure their child is safe and happy. Often, a parent is so busy trying to “fix” their child with a disability that he or... Read more »

If you’re a fan of music legend, James Brown, one of his catch phrases from many of his iconic songs is, “Give The Drummer Some”! When he says this, it’s time for the drummer’s solo. And so the story goes…Its time to Give the FREE Players Drum & Bugle Corps some Drummer Time! I’m so... Read more »

For the past seven years, it’s been my pleasure to teach a class for The Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program. LEND is a program that provides training to students who are becoming leaders in the field of disabilities. Every year I’m encouraged to present on issues I’m passionate... Read more »

As you know I’m a part of the Cooper Family. I’m also a part of another family.  That family is just as colorful as the Cooper’s.  It consists of different races, genders and disabilities. I’m proud to say my other family is Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley (GESMV). I’ve been employed at GESMV for eighteen years.... Read more »

Sesame Street, the beloved children’s program, is helping to educate the street on a tough subject matter. A new character named Karli, who joined the cast of Sesame Street earlier this year, was first introduced on the street as a child in the foster care system.  Karli will now share the circumstances of why she’s... Read more »

I love pizza! Matter of fact, I love it so much that I have it every Friday.  If the urge hits me, I may have it twice a week. My favorite is a deluxe from Dayton’s very own Cassano’s. My love for pizza is so bad that even my dog Tiny understands that I may... Read more »

Do you work in a diverse work environment? I do and I love it. Working in a diverse work setting with people from all walks of life, brings a certain excitement to everyday life. Where I work, people celebrate different holidays, speak different languages, eat and cook different food and have an array of disabilities. ... Read more »

When you find “the one” you’ll know it. No matter what anyone says, when you find that person that makes your heart flutter as if you have butterflies, that’s your one. It’s sad when others think just because you have a disability you’re incapable of being in a loving relationship. Not only do we have... Read more »

A question most people always ask me is, what disability do I have? I have Cerebral Palsy, CP for short. Since its World Cerebral Palsy Day, I decided to share some insight on my disability, Shari style if you don’t mind. According to the dictionary, Cerebral Palsy is a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination... Read more »

Football season is upon us and I’m excited. As you should know from previous blog posts, I’m a huge Cincinnati Bengals fan but after hearing of Andrew Luck’s story, I’m now a fan of his too. Luck, who was the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, announced he’s retiring from the game. The very successful player,... Read more »