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.

The CP Question

I was recently asked the question, when did I know that I had cerebral palsy (cp). To my knowledge, that was the first time I had been asked that question and it kind of stumped me for a minute. When you’re born with a disability, it just becomes part of your everyday life that one... Read more »
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Happy Holidays- Kwanzaa Edition By: Dorian Buford

As we approach the holiday season, there are many traditions that are celebrated this time of the year. Kwanzaa is one that brings much excitement too many during this season. To share the meaning of this unique holiday, I’d like to welcome today’s guest-blogger and Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion member, Dorian... Read more »
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Thankful 2022

The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us and, I must say, I’ve got much to be thankful for. This year, I would like to give a special shout-out to my favorite guy, Darryl. Darryl and I have been together, going on nine years. Relationships are tricky and when adding a disability, I must say my guards... Read more »
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2022 Actors With Disabilities Break-Through

As you know by now, I’m all about full inclusion for EVERYTHING, especially when it comes to people with disabilities. One area that seems to be getting better in welcoming my peeps is Hollywood. I’m happy to say, I have seen more movies and television shows featuring actors and actresses with disabilities. This is a... Read more »
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My Life According to Basketball

A few months ago, I compared my life to the game of football. But now, since we’re amid basketball season and I love them Dayton Flyers and Cleveland Cavalries, let’s compare how my life pans out when it comes to basketball. Throughout my life I’ve been Fouled on by many. Unfortunately, we live in a... Read more »
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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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