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.

Giving Is Good for the Soul

I love giving things away. I’m talking about everything from clothing to shoes to pots and pans. After I no longer need or want things, I joyfully give them away. There’s something about the action of giving things away that makes my heart happy. Another good thing about giving something away is there’s always someone... Read more »
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Let’s Get Awkward By: Amber Hargett & Shari Cooper

Hello, Friends! I’m Amber Hargett, recently appointed Public Relations Manager for GESMV. Recently, I achieved a milestone: completing my first 100 days with Goodwill! In that brief amount of time, I have learned SO much – especially from our blogger-in-chief, Shari. Shari’s passion for building awareness in the community is infectious. A powerful advocate, she... Read more »
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Social Media for Good

Monday, June 30th is Social Media Day. I never knew what good social media could be used for until I started working in the Marketing Department at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) as Public Relations Assistant. There are over 40 programs and services at GESMV to assist people with disabilities and others in need.... Read more »
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Emotions Are for Everyone

It gets on my nerves when someone responds negatively to seeing a person with a disability expressing their emotions. It’s especially frustrating when people consider it “weird”. When something makes me happy or sad, I express my emotions in my own way, just like everyone else. While I can usually contain stronger emotions in a... Read more »
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Saying “Hi” Goes A Long Way

Today, June 11, 2025, is National Say “Hi” Day. I’d like to celebrate it by telling you, my peeps in blog nation, “Hi!” and I hope you are having an amazing day! I love it when someone tells me, “Hi!” Whether it comes from a stranger or someone I know, when those two letters form... Read more »
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Furniture Facelift Accessibility

I love fashionable clothing, but I also love fashionable decor for my home. When my favorite guy and I first purchased our home, it seemed like I was buying something to beautify it every weekend. That was eight years ago, and although I’ve been buying things along the way, I’m ready for even more facelifts!... Read more »
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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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