Author: Shari Cooper

September 20th was National Voter’s Registration Day! I’ve been voting since I was eighteen and look forward to voting whether it’s a general, primary, or presidential election. A few weeks ago, I received an application to fill out for an absentee ballot, from the Ohio Secretary of State Office. Voting absentee is much easier for... Read more »

Overtime, everything can use a tune-up. Wear and tear can cause things to either begin to malfunction or completely break-down. I totally rely on my scooter “Cherry” to get me around daily. Without it, I’d be stuck. Because my scooter is my main source of mobility, it goes through a lot, including different seasons that... Read more »

Often, people like to put responsibility on others when they know they should be taking it themselves. My friend and today’s guest-blogger, Melody, knows the way to understand and unify people with disabilities; it starts with oneself. Check her out as she breaks down her own tiers of responsibility. Shari As everyone knows, there are... Read more »

Football season is back and I’m ready! I’m a huge Cincinnati Bengals fan and since they had such a successful season last year, I’m looking forward to a repeat performance. Our first game of the regular season was against the Pittsburgh Steelers. For those who don’t know, my favorite guy is a Pittsburgh super-fan! Pittsburgh... Read more »

Often, we just see dogs as just pets. When a person is blind, a dog not only can become one’s pet, but it also becomes one’s eyes. Learn in this blog how a dog named Regatta found her purpose in life and found a forever mom, Nahseam.  Also, learn how Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley’s upcoming... Read more »

Language is a fascinating thing. Think about it, everyone has their own language. If you are only fluent in the English language, there is a good possibility if you step outside the United States to visit another country, you are not going to understand what is being said. I took French classes in high school... Read more »

More and more American companies and non-profits are embracing DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in the workplace, including Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley (GESMV).  The agency has a DEI facilitator and a committee which offer education for employees on different cultures, as well as encouraging the conversation to continue about diversity, equity and inclusion.... Read more »

When attending events such as concerts, plays and movies, I’m always concerned that the accessible wheelchair seating won’t be as accessible as the venue thinks. Don’t get me wrong, the seating is usually pretty good, just sometimes it is difficult for the venue to look at in my perspective. I use my scooter “Cherry” for... Read more »

It’s that time again, kiddos are going back to school. I mentioned in previous posts that due to a difficult birth, my parents were informed by doctors that there was a strong possibility I may have a disability. By them knowing this, they had me assessed at a young age. I truly believe if my... Read more »

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is turning 32, I have quality of life. As a person with a disability, I don’t know where I would be without this civil rights act; for it has opened up a world of opportunities for myself and so many others. My friend, Maria Matzik, and... Read more »