Author: Shari Cooper

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 »

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 »