Thursday, July 29, 2010

Word of the Day- Sunsets





...because there are so many beautiful ones this time of year!

And for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Photo Judy Winter 2010


Minute Vacations -August 2010




Summer weddings. This one's on Mackinac Island, one of my favorite places in the world.

Photo Judy Winter 2010

Words of Wisdom from Maya Angelou - August 2010




"I believe that every person is born with talent."

Special Needs Kudos! -Give the Kids the World Village




Kudos to 'Give the Kids the World Village,' which provides kids with life-threatening illnesses and special needs and their families, week-long, cost-free fantasy vacations at their 70-acre accessible theme-park resort in Florida. Jenna Bush did a piece on it this morning on The Today Show.

Check out this terrific destination
here.

Photo Judy Winter 2010

New Website for Mobility Challenged


I ran into my friend and budding disability advocate, Johnny Agar, at Michigan's 20th ADA celebration. This sharp, determined 16-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, told me about his new website Johnny's Pass designed to help those with mobility challenges find a wide range of accessible venues. You can help him grow this valuable venture.

Check it out
here and share your own experiences with Johnny. A whole new generation of activists have been born. Love that.

Go Johnny!


Photo: Johnny being interviewed by the press during Michigan's 20th ADA anniversary celebration. Judy Winter 2010.

Special Needs Progress




I remember when the media rarely covered special needs. Now I can't keep up.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Best Dad on Wheels Contest 2010




The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the Paralysis Resource Center (love them!) is looking to celebrate great dads with the 2010 Best Dad on Wheels Contest. For more info, click here.

Dads are VIPs, too, especially in special needs families.

Photo of my favorite dad on wheels, children's book author and motivational speaker, Johnnie Tuitel of Grand Rapids, Michigan and his three terrific sons, Nick, PJ and Joel at RicStar's Camp. Judy Winter 2010.

Judy Winter

White House ADA Celebration July 26 2010






For those of you interested in viewing the 20th anniversary ADA celebration at the White House, here it is.

Photo Judy Winter 2010

Monday, July 26, 2010

20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)




"Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down." -George H. W. Bush at White House signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) July 26, 1990.

We're still working on that noble mission, Mr. President, and I'm so proud to be part of that effort.

Friday, July 23, 2010

20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)


Monday, July 26th, is the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which in part, has helped reduce barriers to employment and education. I will be celebrating at my local level and I hope you will, too. It's good to look at how far we've come to get energized for all the work that still remains.

I find it especially interesting that the ADA was passed the year my son was born and so few were talking about the value of those with special needs. That injustice has fueled my work on special needs for the past two decades. I'm thrilled that today, so many terrific men and women are working hard to ensure the rights and better life opportunities for those with disabilities. Bless them all.

For more about this important day, visit the ADA.

Photo Judy Winter 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Winter Rambligs Chosen as Top Ten Blog for Special Needs Parenting by She Knows Parenting



Huge thanks to Abbi Perets of She Knows Parenting for selecting my blog Winter Ramblings as one of her Top 10 Blogs for Parents of Kids with Special Needs. You can see her other helpful recommendations by clicking on the link above.

When it comes to special needs parenting, knowledge and great resources are power.

I'm honored to share what I've learned.

Baby's Babble May Help With Early Autism Diagnosis





Given the critical importance of early diagnosis for autism, the results of a recent study about using technology to uncover a possible connection between baby's talk and autism is especially good news.

Friday, July 02, 2010

Happy Independence Day 2010- AKA the 4th of July!




HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

For all the challenges we face, we still live in the most amazing country in the world. Take a moment to savor your precious freedom.

Photo of the Liberty Bell
Washington, D.C.
Judy Winter 2006


Did You Know? Tips to Help Prevent Spinal Cord Injuries While Having Summer Fun

Summer Safety Checklist

Did You Know? that 200,000 people in the US are living with spinal-cord injuries, the result of sporting/recreational activities? With summer fun in full swing, the Christopher/Dana Reeve Foundation & Paralysis Resource Center offers some valuable tips on staying safe.

Yes, disability can happen to you. Be proactive.

To learn more, click on the logo above.