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.

Football With My Bros

I was a girly-girl growing up. I liked my Barbie dolls, Easy Bake Oven, I played kitchen with mini appliances and dishes. I didn’t think I was going to be the girl who grew up to actually like the game of football, until I was drafted by my brothers. I am the baby girl of... Read more »
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What Recovery Means To Me

Hello All, In honor of National Recovery Month, here’s a story from today’s guest-blogger and Miracle Clubhouse Member, Reginald. Enjoy! Shari In my experience so far, I have encountered various bumps in the road or what some people call potential “blockers” or walls on the road of life.  Although I still have many potential “blockers”... Read more »
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Food For Thought

When younger, I was on the pizza, chicken nuggets, cheeseburger, root bear and gummy bear diet. Although these items were probably not good for me, they sure did taste good. As we grow older our mind starts to mature and so does our stomach. I remember I used to absolutely hate broccoli. For one –... Read more »
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Celebrate Life

Hello, It’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest-blogger Cheryl Wood. Cheryl is Miami Valley Works Administrative Assistant and great author. Please give her your attention as she shares her gracious journey through the grief process with you. Shari Celebrate the Life of the One You Love!  One of the best ways of honoring my loved... Read more »
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In The Name of Love

What would you do for love? Would you move to another state in order to be closer to the one that has your heart? Perhaps, you would close down your steadily growing business just because you could not bear the fact of being without the one you love. Is this you? Well, maybe not, but... Read more »
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Splish Splash Accessible Fun

The thought of going skating, hiking in the mountains or actually being able to join in on the fun at a waterpark has always been a far-off dream of mine. When a person has a disability, activities such as these often take a back seat, unless they’re made adaptive in a unique way. Unless a... Read more »
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16 Feet

I don’t know how many of you know but I used to be able to walk. I wasn’t the best walker but I managed to be stable on my feet for thirty-two years with no assistance or medical equipment. I was also the best electric slider in Dayton! Life happens, and as a result, my... Read more »
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Finally….. Television Inclusion

I love my television! I watch a little bit of everything from the news, Family Freud, The Young & the Restless, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Empire to Storage Wars, Bar Rescue and The Braxton Family Values. I must admit, my television’s obsession has gone up a few notches since there are more shows on... Read more »
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Telling a Positive Story of Advocacy

When I think back to all the tools that have helped me to become a successful advocate, one of the most important is how to tell my story. When delivering a story to a crowd, it’s up to you what the crowd takes away from it. Have you ever heard someone give a presentation, speech... Read more »
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There She Is

Most little girls dream of their wedding day, becoming a mother, and being crowned Miss America. If born with a disability, it doesn’t diminish dreams girls might have. In fact, it might make the urge to fulfill them even stronger. I’m speaking from experience. Although born with a disability, I still tried a little bit... Read more »
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