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.

Employment Inclusion For All

It’s that time again to celebrate October as Disability Employment Month! I must share how happy I am to be employed. I’ve been gainfully employed at Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley for 21 years!  When I think about where I started to where I am now, an integral part of the organization, it makes my heart... Read more »
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Why I Like Blogging

I have been blogging for around fifteen years! To be honest, when this opportunity was first put before me, I wasn’t quite sure how this was going to turn out. As a person with a disability, I face many challenges as well as successes, but never thought people would be interested in hearing about them.... Read more »
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FAMILY SUPPORT

I recently attended my family reunion and it is always good to see family you’ve not seen in a while.  I was able to meet new additions to the family, such as, the new babies, kin who’ve married into the family and so on… My mother and a few of my cousins who are in... Read more »
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Your Vote Counts

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 »
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Tune-Up Time

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 »
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My Life According to Football

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 »
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It’s a Dog’s Life By Guest-Blogger Nahseam & Regatta

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 »
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A Different Kind of Sign Language

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 »
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Stories of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion By: Katelyn & Malon

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 »
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