Category: Make Things Happen

Blogger-in-chief, award-winning public speaker, and disability awareness advocate Shari Cooper provides insight, humor, and reflection on a range of issues.

It’s Burger Time!

It’s time for longer days, short sleeves, nice weather and hamburgers! You probably know by now that I love pizza! What you might not know is, I also love a good burger. There’s nothing better than biting down into a good, well-done juicy burger. At least that’s the way I like mine. It just so... Read more »
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Kevin Bacon, E-Dog, K-Pop and WHAT?!

According to my mom, becoming a Grandparent is one of God’s greatest gifts. She had a boatload of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she loved to the moon and back and they loved her even further. Mom came from the old school where she took up the name Granny. Today’s guest-blogger Donna is about to embark... Read more »
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Please Use People-First Language

Recently, I heard a news anchor use the word “handicap” when referring to people with disabilities. When I hear this word, I think: “Don’t networks know they should be using People-First” Language (PFL)?” ” Handicap” has a negative connotation. It makes it sound as if people with disabilities can’t do anything. If you know anything... Read more »
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Services To Assist With Living Through The Golden Ages

One day, everyone is going to grow old. To maintain a sense of independence, a person is going to need resources. On that note, join my friend and coworker Cindy Carusone as she serves as guest blogger and share some of the resources Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley offers the senior population. Shari Did you know... Read more »
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Accessibility And Accommodation at Dayton Museums

When traveling, it’s always nice to see the different accommodations cities offer people with disabilities. Some cities offer basic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, while others go above and beyond to make sure including everyone is part of their mission. I’m happy to be from Dayton, because my city is knocking it out of... Read more »
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Survivor Is More Than Just a Game

I really like the reality show, “Survivor”! Each season brings a new adventure from an exotic destination featuring a wide range of colorful contestants. Like the saying goes, everyone has a story. I’ve heard many heartfelt stories from Survivor contestants over years, but this year’s story from Eva Erickson touched me so deeply, I just... Read more »
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New Airline Rule Protecting Wheelchairs

If you follow my blog, you know I’ve had some unfortunate experiences when it comes to flying. You may remember one airline lost my scooter a few years ago. I landed in Seattle and my scooter was in North Carolina. I’ve also witnessed airline personnel treating my scooter like random baggage. If you’ve even seen... Read more »
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Everybody Get Your Read On

April is National Read a Book Month. Since my passion is all about disability awareness, I like to focus on authors with disabilities. Advocates around Ohio are really doing an amazing job publishing books that are good reads. The following are three recommendations from my personal library. Renee Wood, who I’m happy to call a... Read more »
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Why Can’t Service Dogs Come In? The ADA Says They Can

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the recent story of a business not allowing a service dog into a public establishment. You would think by now everyone would know about service dogs and the need for them, but some just don’t want them in their establishment. Keaton, a little boy, was so excited... Read more »
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