Author: Shari Cooper

Welcome to my annual list for Black History Month.  Help me celebrate these twenty-nine amazing people who I admire for stepping out and changing the world! Victor Pate Jr.-My nephew who’s co-owner of Fortitude Dayton, a person-centered company. As a person with a disability, it makes me proud that he’s providing a service to enhance... Read more »

As I roll into 2024, I’ve been pondering what I can do to better myself. I’m not down with making resolutions because I can never seem to keep them, but I do want to make a few changes. I think my need for change is because I turned 50 years old last year and I... Read more »

During the month of December, I had the pleasure to watch the 2023 Media Access Awards presented by Easterseals. The program was great! To my knowledge, this is the first time there has ever been such a program that specifically honored the talent of people with disabilities in a positive light for being in the... Read more »

Attending college is an experience and Everyone’s experience is different. For me, it was good most of the time, but there were some days, I wanted to throw in the towel.   As a person with a disability my major issue with college came from the inability to use my hands to write. I’m sure... Read more »

January is National Mentorship Month! A few years back, I mentioned a few mentors that had really had an impact on my life including, my elementary principal Peter Lanasa, United Cerebral Palsy’s past Executive Director, Thomas Bankston, and my neighbor, Pearl (Cookie) Cook. Since it’s National Mentorship Month, I wanted to mention a few more.... Read more »

Once again, it’s time to say goodbye to another year. Twenty twenty-three was a good year! My year started out with me turning fifty years old. I celebrated my milestone birthday in the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas, along with my favorite guy. To say I had a blast would be an understatement. And... Read more »

Recently, I was invited to a holiday party that I was excited about going too. I had anticipated my outfit, hairdo, and even my fragrance. Imagine my saltiness when I was later informed the venue where the party was being held was up a flight of steps? I was also informed that if I still... Read more »

I’ve watched a few strong man competitions on television. The physicality’s that goes in to becoming a strong man are very in-depth. I often wonder what would make a man want to go through such an experience, but I’m guessing the reward of completing such an event is very gratifying. A competition such as this... Read more »

We’ve come to the time of year when many are preparing to celebrate the holiday season. During this time of year, I have many traditions that help me get in the holiday spirit. One of my traditions, as you probably know, is watching holiday movies. Many know Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is my all-time... Read more »

Often, I watch my 18-year-old nephew as he plays his PlayStation 5 and let me tell you, I am in aww on how well he can play. I also see the same excitement in my brother’s eyes at age 52 as he plays. It’s apparent that gamers have no age limit; for many individuals love... Read more »