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 Represent Three

I represent three categories. I’m a woman who is African–American and I also have a disability. The word for a person who is overlapping social identities and related systems is called intersectionality.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersectionality. While I hate to admit it, I know my categories of my intersectionality often hinder my career success and life in general... Read more »
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Bullying

Have you ever been bullied? Unfortunately, bullying has been going on since the ice ages but now it has gotten to the point of getting out of control. Bullying has gotten so bad, that there’s no more just fist fighting to settle a dispute.  People are carrying and using weapons in order to protect themselves.... Read more »
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May is for Mental Health

Hello All, Today is Mental Health Awareness Day. It’s my honor and pleasure to introduce Aaron Troutman who’s serving as guest blogger and is also a Miracle Clubhouse Member. Miracle Clubhouse is a warm safe environment for those who are suffering with mental illness. The clubhouse assists people further their education, find employment and become... Read more »
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A Service Dog Story

By: Linda Pelfrey Today, Abby, a Yellow Lab Golden Retriever mix, and I are celebrating our first anniversary as a dog guide team. I have benefitted from 7 incredible and unique pups from The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey. Each has left their paw prints on my heart and I have learned transforming life... Read more »
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Spring In

Are you ready for longer days, blooming flowers and nice weather? Spring time is upon us and it’s time for changes and fun! Spring time is the time when many things become born again. Think about it. Crops begin to sprout from the earth due to warmth of the season, hints of potatoes, beans and... Read more »
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Pay It Forward

I’ve heard the saying, “Pay It Forward” many times but until it happens to you, you never know the emotional joy that goes along with the actual act itself. Texas Roadhouse is one of my favorite restaurants. For those who have already been there, you’ll understand my obsession with the buttery yeast rolls that melt... Read more »
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Advocacy Day

Advocacy means, the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal according to the Merriam –Webster dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advocacy Disability Advocacy has been my purpose for a long time. I’m always advocating and joining forces with others who share in the mission of people with disabilities having a good quality of life. On March 8th,... Read more »
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Celebrating Black History Month- Wilma, Wilma, Wilma

As an African-American, I’m always happy to see Black History Month roll around. Celebrating the accomplishments of my ancestors is a great honor. As an African-American woman who has a disability, I’m ten times more ecstatic to learn about women from my culture who have disabilities and have accomplished great things despite their challenges. I... Read more »
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Married life-The story of 40 years going strong

Their story began in 1975. Debbie and Mack went to the same high school but only had one class together. A short time after they began talking, Mack told Debbie “We will get married someday”. Mack and Debbie dated for one year (and one week) and were married in her father’s living room on December... Read more »
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