Author: Shari Cooper

Hello, It’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest-blogger Cheryl Wood. Cheryl is Miami Valley Works Administrative Assistant and great author. Please give her your attention as she shares her gracious journey through the grief process with you. Shari Celebrate the Life of the One You Love!  One of the best ways of honoring my loved... Read more »

What would you do for love? Would you move to another state in order to be closer to the one that has your heart? Perhaps, you would close down your steadily growing business just because you could not bear the fact of being without the one you love. Is this you? Well, maybe not, but... Read more »

The thought of going skating, hiking in the mountains or actually being able to join in on the fun at a waterpark has always been a far-off dream of mine. When a person has a disability, activities such as these often take a back seat, unless they’re made adaptive in a unique way. Unless a... Read more »

I don’t know how many of you know but I used to be able to walk. I wasn’t the best walker but I managed to be stable on my feet for thirty-two years with no assistance or medical equipment. I was also the best electric slider in Dayton! Life happens, and as a result, my... Read more »

I love my television! I watch a little bit of everything from the news, Family Freud, The Young & the Restless, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Empire to Storage Wars, Bar Rescue and The Braxton Family Values. I must admit, my television’s obsession has gone up a few notches since there are more shows on... Read more »

When I think back to all the tools that have helped me to become a successful advocate, one of the most important is how to tell my story. When delivering a story to a crowd, it’s up to you what the crowd takes away from it. Have you ever heard someone give a presentation, speech... Read more »

Most little girls dream of their wedding day, becoming a mother, and being crowned Miss America. If born with a disability, it doesn’t diminish dreams girls might have. In fact, it might make the urge to fulfill them even stronger. I’m speaking from experience. Although born with a disability, I still tried a little bit... Read more »

I represent three categories. I’m a woman who is African–American and I also have a disability. The word for a person who is overlapping social identities and related systems is called intersectionality.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersectionality. While I hate to admit it, I know my categories of my intersectionality often hinder my career success and life in general... Read more »

Have you ever been bullied? Unfortunately, bullying has been going on since the ice ages but now it has gotten to the point of getting out of control. Bullying has gotten so bad, that there’s no more just fist fighting to settle a dispute.  People are carrying and using weapons in order to protect themselves.... Read more »

March was Developmental Disability Advocacy and Awareness Month and it was BUSY! On March 8th I emceed Ohio DD Advocacy and Awareness Day at the statehouse in Columbus. The event focused on empowerment, and was full of talent and surprises. Director John Martin of the Department of Developmental Disabilities started the program by sharing information... Read more »