Author: Shari Cooper

The sun is shining, grills are going, festivals are in full swing, and pools are open. Summer is here and vacation plans are in full effect! As I stated in an earlier blog, I took on Birmingham, Alabama this year. Although I attended and presented at a conference; I still managed to visit the science... Read more »

Happy Independence Day! As I think about it, every day is Independence Day to me. As a person with a disability, I truly value my independences. For most with challenges, independences are the root of their soul. I know it is for me. One major thing I value about independence is, having a job. My... Read more »

How old do you feel? Often, we let our age determine what we can and cannot do or shall I say, will not do. When you age, your body tends to weaken. It doesn’t work as well as it did when you were younger. Still, do you believe you can do anything as long as... Read more »

I went to Birmingham, Alabama last week and had a blast! I must admit, Birmingham wasn’t on my bucket list of cities to visit.  I didn’t think it was really a tourist state and it’s very hot in the south. As a matter of fact, it was in the lower nineties all four days; but... Read more »

I love to advocate for disabilities rights. When I think back, I’ve been doing this all my life.  My opinion is voiced loudly when I believe there is a need for change or when my friends are experiencing unjust treatment.  I once heard, “only the squeaky wheel gets heard” and I have done a lot... Read more »

I’ll be traveling to Birmingham, Alabama in June to present at the SABE National Conference (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered). Although, I’m excited to present, gain more advocacy knowledge, meet up with self-advocates and hopefully visit the Civil Rights Museum and Zoo, I really hope my path crosses with Austin Perine! Whose Austin you ask? Probably... Read more »

I’m still basting in the happiness of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! Who would’ve ever thought an American, actress, divorced, feminist, biracial woman would be allowed to marry a prince? This would not have been thought of a few decades ago. Back in the day, you were to stay in your... Read more »

I have a confession to make I am 45 and love animated movies. My new obsession is with the Pixar movie, Finding Dory! One of my favorite comedians, Ellen DeGeneres, lends her voice to the character Dory. When I found that out, it made me really, want to see this movie because she is funnier... Read more »

I have a new love in my life! My new love has the cutest face with the biggest brown eyes I have ever seen. She’s black with touches of mahogany and very fuzzy. This new love of mine likes nibbling at my toes, shoes, socks and anything within her reach and I don’t even get... Read more »

It is that time of year, when we stop and pay honor to the first woman we have ever loved, our mothers. Mothers are superheroes, they do it all.  No matter how difficult life gets, moms have a way of making everything better. As many of you probably already know, my mother Erma, eighty-five years... Read more »