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.

I Love You Just The Way You Are

As a person with a disability, I can admit, I probably don’t worry about my disability as much as my mom does.  All a mother wants to do is to make sure their child is safe and happy. Often, a parent is so busy trying to “fix” their child with a disability that he or... Read more »
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What Are You Thankful For

Recently I had the pleasure to go around the Goodwill Easterseals Community Campus and interview my co-workers by asking them, what they were thankful for.  I was impressed by their responses and their joyful outlook on life.  It’s been a tough year for the people of the Miami Valley.  We have witnessed many tragic events,... Read more »
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Give The Drummers Some

If you’re a fan of music legend, James Brown, one of his catch phrases from many of his iconic songs is, “Give The Drummer Some”! When he says this, it’s time for the drummer’s solo. And so the story goes…Its time to Give the FREE Players Drum & Bugle Corps some Drummer Time! I’m so... Read more »
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Let’s Value Direct Support Professionals

For the past seven years, it’s been my pleasure to teach a class for The Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program. LEND is a program that provides training to students who are becoming leaders in the field of disabilities. Every year I’m encouraged to present on issues I’m passionate... Read more »
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Sunny Day Karli’s On Her Way To Sesame Street

Sesame Street, the beloved children’s program, is helping to educate the street on a tough subject matter. A new character named Karli, who joined the cast of Sesame Street earlier this year, was first introduced on the street as a child in the foster care system.  Karli will now share the circumstances of why she’s... Read more »
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Pizza For All

I love pizza! Matter of fact, I love it so much that I have it every Friday.  If the urge hits me, I may have it twice a week. My favorite is a deluxe from Dayton’s very own Cassano’s. My love for pizza is so bad that even my dog Tiny understands that I may... Read more »
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Work Includes You & Me

Do you work in a diverse work environment? I do and I love it. Working in a diverse work setting with people from all walks of life, brings a certain excitement to everyday life. Where I work, people celebrate different holidays, speak different languages, eat and cook different food and have an array of disabilities. ... Read more »
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Endless Love

When you find “the one” you’ll know it. No matter what anyone says, when you find that person that makes your heart flutter as if you have butterflies, that’s your one. It’s sad when others think just because you have a disability you’re incapable of being in a loving relationship. Not only do we have... Read more »
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