Author: Shari Cooper

Have you ever had a dream of accomplishing something but because of life, you let it go? Well here is a story about a woman who beats the odds.  It is a true motivator for others and a great story to share in the celebration of Women’s Equality Day on August 26th. Leslie Irby flew... Read more »

Often, when you meet a person for the very first time, you really never know how he or she is going to react. This deems to be even truer if you have a disability. One place where you can count on meeting a person you don’t know is on an airplane. Unless you’ve made plans... Read more »

Who remembers the classic movie, BIG, starring the incredible actor, Tom Hanks? If you liked BIG, you’ll love the movie, Little. Little is about a very mean, complicated, self-absorbed woman, named Jordan. Jordan is played by the actress, Regina Hall. Although Jordan is a very successful business woman, the anger she has inside makes her... Read more »

A few weeks ago I had the awesome opportunity to present at the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Conference (NACDD) in the amazing city, New Orleans! I was invited to partake on a five person panel that presented different perspectives of advocacy efforts. The panel included a parent, who of a Dominican decent,... Read more »

I attended Gorman Elementary School. Gorman was a school for kids with disabilities and located around the corner from United Cerebral Palsy and Dayton Children’s Hospital. I used to think it was ironic for all of the facilities to be located in the same area. I now know it was purposely set that way to... Read more »

Stars in Hollywood are coming forward to tell the world they’re battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Often, you never hear about those living with a disability until it hits Hollywood status. I along with many of my friends have been living with disabilities since day one. Having disabilities are just a part of who we are.... Read more »

On June 24th, I received the Edgar J. Helms Graduate Staff Award from Goodwill Industries International.  The Award honors a current Goodwill employee who exemplifies the mission of unselfish service to people with disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions. I must say, I was shocked and over the moon to find out I had won this... Read more »

I was voted nicest personality by my senior classmates in 1991.  It was an honor to take home that award, for I knew some of my classmates had to personally cast their vote for me. Unfortunately, there were a few students in my graduating class who I knew were not so welcoming to people with... Read more »

Stage plays have been my passion ever since I was little. I joined Muse Machine in middle school. Muse Machine offers creative experiences and programs for young people and it exposed me to many great productions.  My first play was the musical Guys & Dolls; I absolutely fell in love. I’m happy to say, since... Read more »

My father, Sam Cooper, was an amazing man. I do not remember a whole lot about him because he passed when I was seven. Although I might not have many memories of him, my mom and siblings do.  They share stories with me often. The things I know about my father is, he was a... Read more »