Author: Shari Cooper

Although I’m proud to be an advocate, there’re times when I need others to advocate for me. Growing up, my mother was my advocate. If not for my mom, I truly don’t know where I’d be now.  I’m appreciative that when I need help, I have a community I can call on including, the Super... Read more »

Is it ever acceptable to laugh at disabilities? I laugh all the time when something happens that pertains to my disability. Sometimes funny things happen, and I personally think life is too short to be so uptight. Now, let me clarify, there’s a big difference between laughing at an unharmful funny incident instead of making... Read more »

Unfortunately, living and growing up in world as a black boy poses its own set of challenges. As an aunt of many nephews who are black, I find myself worried every time they walk out of the door. I constantly tell them, don’t wear their hood on their heads while walking or while in a... Read more »

Suicide is something people just don’t often talk about. I think people are scared to speak on this matter, but it’s a subject that needs to be discussed to help people who are struggling. A parent’s job is to nurture and provide for their child even through difficult situations. I’m so happy today’s guest-blogger was... Read more »

One thing student’s look forward to during their high school years is graduation. The act of the graduation ceremony is somewhat a rite of passage into adulthood. To walk in unison with your peers, while all are graced in their cap and gown, showing school spirit is just a beautiful thing to witness. As if... Read more »

How does one adapt to a situation? In life there’s always going to be something unexpected that you must deal with; it’s just like Tom Hank’s character said in the movie Forest Gump, life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get. It’s easier to deal with a situation... Read more »

A golden rule that’s taught at a young age is to treat everyone as you want to be treated. Although, it’s a simple rule to follow, often people just don’t get it. When not treated well, especially when you’re a child, it can be devastating. One thing I love about the spirt of Humankind, is... Read more »

I’d like to thank my co-worker Angela for today’s topic. She pointed out that lately, there have been many conversations about the usage of the word “disability”.  This made me really think about the subject and therefore, wanted to give my thoughts about what it means to me. Over the years, there have been many... Read more »

Welcome today’s guest-blogger, Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.  The blog highlights and speaks about South Asian Heritage. I hope it enlightens you as much as it did for me.  I love learning new cultures and to better understand how we can include all. Shari South Asian Heritage Month is observed every... Read more »

I’m often asked, how does it feel living with a disability? For me, living life with a disability is just living. I was born with my disability so, it’s no biggie. Living life with a disability is just like living life as a woman or a man which means, you’ll have challenges. Usually when I... Read more »