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.

How Social Media Has Helped Me

Hooray, hooray, today is Social Media Day! Because of social media outlets, my life has transformed tremendously! Social media outlets allow people to not only reach out to loved ones and friends, but it’s also a good way to find out what’s going on in the community and to see what events I may like... Read more »
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Barbie Got A Service Dog

Toy mega mogul, Mattel, is at it again! Barbie now has a service animal! For years, I’ve been blogging about how I wished there were more opportunities for Barbie to showcase more disabilities and inclusion.  For a long time, there were no barbies representing girls with disabilities. No matter your color, age, or disability, you... Read more »
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Bionic Bill

I love watching ducks. When my favorite guy and I were first dating, he used to take me downtown to the Riverscape and we would sit on the swing near the water, talk, and watch the ducks. Ducks are cool creatures, and they seem to be very laid back. One thing a duck needs to... Read more »
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Owning My Truth By Donna Lavoie

June is Pride Month! Welcome guest blogger Donna Lavoie as she shares how acceptance enhanced her family’s dynamics. Shari It seems like this year is flying by.  Here we are at the beginning of June. Pride Month is celebrated here in the U.S. and across the world. Recognizing those who identify as LGBTQ+. For my... Read more »
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Break on Through to the Other Side

Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Miracle Clubhouse has helped many people who suffer with mental illness. On June 4th, a nationwide Day of Giving will be take place for Clubhouse International around the country. Welcome guest blogger, Buddy as he shares how the clubhouse has helped him. Remember, awareness is key. Shari   The sign on... Read more »
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An Awesome Band

I love bands! A few of my favorites are Kool & the Gang, The Gap Band, Journey, Earth Wind & Fire and Dayton’s own funk band, The Ohio Players. Usually, when a band forms, members come together because of a common thread of the love of music. Other bands have been formed because of similar... Read more »
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Tiny’s Mother

As we approach Mother’s Day, I’d like to say what fun it is to be a mother to my fur baby, Tiny. Tiny (a 130-pound Rottweiler) who is now six and who I affectionately call, Moo Moo, has really enhanced my life. Although she’s huge, she’s very gentle with me. I liked dogs before she... Read more »
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Joystick Driving

The Joystick for many means’ independence; be it a modified wheelchair or the ability to drive an automobile. For people with disabilities who have drivers’ licenses opens many doors of opportunities professionally and personally. When a teen reaches the driving age, which is typically around 16, all he or she can think about is driving.... Read more »
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Unlikely Superheroes

Sunday April 28th is Superhero Day! Now I am not going to lie, your girl likes a good superhero. Superheroes have the task of helping the world from danger. The latest superhero I’m crushing on is Aqua Man. I think it has to do with the actor who plays an underwater creature, the mighty fine,... Read more »
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To Restroom or Not to Restroom

Usually when I’m out and about, I’ll need to use the restroom. This is not a big thing. Usually everyone needs to use the restroom when they are out, especially if he or she has been out for a few hours. When I’m out in the community at an establishment and must go, my first... Read more »
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