Author: Shari Cooper

I look forward every year to celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. As a person with a disability, I understand the everyday challenges we face. Having a disability can be difficult, especially when you have some who refuse to see your worth and a system that’s forced a value on fairness.  It’s a much better situation... Read more »

I’m blessed that I have not had to deal with having COVID-19. With having a disability, I was always cognitive of the whole social distance and mask thing.  I knew, if I came down with it, my life would be even more difficult. Having a disability is challenging, let alone having to deal with other... Read more »

Wow, ever since COVID-19 hit last year, and became a worldwide pandemic, our new normal is mask up! Everywhere you go, you must wear a mask. Often when sitting in my vehicle, I see a person about to enter an establishment only to do an about face back to their car to retrieve their mask.... Read more »

As most of you know, I have a speech impairment. I’ve worked very hard over the years to create articulation tactics in order to be understood. Although it is challenging, occasionally, I’ll get that “what did you say” look, but for the most part, I am understandable. I am encouraged when I see another person... Read more »

February is Black History Month.  Who has inspired you this past year?  This year for me, there has been several people who I would like to pay homage too.  They have in some way inspired me or impacted my life.   Samuel (Dean) Cooper– Sam, my brother, who is an essential worker at an in-care... Read more »

Hello All! It’s Shari Cooper your favorite blogger in chief and I’m back! Just like many other individuals, I was furloughed back in March due to COVID 19.  BUT I am now back and very happy because I’ve missed my work family and the blog nation. Luckily, Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley can accommodate me with... Read more »

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 »