Author: Shari Cooper

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 »

I receive many suggestions on blog topics, so I’ve decided to start giving kudos to the people that provide me with them. Today’s topic comes from my co-worker, Donna. As you all know, I’m always searching for stories of inclusion. Nothing makes me happier than learning of a new cartoon that brings awareness. A cartoon... Read more »

One definition of the word pride is consciousness of one’s own dignity. Given the definition, I’m happy to say, I’m a proud African American, Ohioan, and a Disabilitian. I know Disabilitian isn’t a word, but it is now in my book. As I celebrate July, Disability Pride Month, I think about what my disability has... Read more »

Most individuals have parental instincts. Those instincts don’t just go away because you have a disability. Although becoming a parent was not in the cards for me, I have helped parent many children. My nieces, nephews, and God children are some who I have helped. I’m for sure the Cool Aunt! And yes, I love... Read more »

At the beginning of baseball season, I compared my life to the game of baseball. I enjoyed it so much, I thought I’d do part two. Continuing with my baseball analogy: When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll often hit a Fly Ball. My new obsession is my air fryer. Many things can be cooked in an... Read more »

Next week the U.S. will be celebrating Independence Day! Independence is such a gift that many have, and others are still seeking. I think we often forget how fortunate we are to live in a country where you’re free to do what you want, be who you want to be, and love whomever you want.... Read more »

Question, what do you look for while at an event for a few hours? Better yet, while running errands for a few hours, what do you stop and look for? If your answer was a restroom, you’re correct. What would you do if you couldn’t use the restroom while you were out in the community?... Read more »

As we prepare to celebrate the Juneteenth Holiday, I’d like to talk about it from my perspective. Last year, to commemorate the holiday, I blogged about how times were different when my mother grew up, who by the way, is blessed to be 90 years old. Back when she was growing up there was still... Read more »

I must admit, every time I fly, my anxiety goes up a little because as a person with a disability, I never know what I’m going to encounter. And yes, I have flown many times. I know flying is a process for all but when you have a disability, the process can be long, confusing,... Read more »