Wednesday, October 23, 2013









Reminder: While there's lots to read on this site and I try to update it monthly, most of my regular, daily special needs updates now appear on my professional Facebook page.

You can find it here.

You can find my book here.



Words from Janet Froetscher, the new CEO of Special Olympics.

 "Now let's all work together to win."

Read more here.




Add caption










Halloween costumes for kids using wheelchairs.

'Tis the season to be creative!

Check them out here.
My friend actor Blair Williamson with Lauren Potter. Photo used with permission.


If like me, you've been wondering when that terrific actress/advocate, Lauren Potter, is going to make an appearance on the new season of GLEE, here's the scoop.

About time.




















In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, my friend, the talented actor/photog, Blair Williamson. 

Focused on ability.

Jammin at RicStar's Camp 2013.. Erik Taylor Photography. All rights reserved.


Mid-Week Reflection:

I've been focused on special needs advocacy/writing/speaking/parenting for more than two decades. While much work remains, I also recognize just how far we've traveled.

Years ago, I often felt like a lone voice in the special-needs wilderness. Thank God I had the stellar examples of the Shriver family & Special Olympics, and that of Christopher and Dana Reeve to fuel me on during the roughest parenting days.  

Like my son, they remain my heroes.

Today, when I see just how far we have come, all the voices that have joined mine, and the big progress that has been made for this population, I hyperventilate, in a good way. Years ago, I had some big mommy dreams and a huge commiment to righting some big wrongs.

I've seen many of those heartfelt dreams come true, but not enough. We must finally silence that question of whether or not those with exceptionalities, and their families, are worthy of our time, support, effort, resources and dollars.

They are, just like everybody else.

As long as I have a voice, I will always raise it to champion the dignity, equality, opportunities and rights of those with special needs, especially children. My life has been infinitely richer as a result of my son's unexpected special needs.

I won't rest until true equality and better life opportunities are assured for all those with exceptionalities, not a question of doubt and value.

How about you?

Want to make your life better? Serve others. Start with your own children and watch your impact grow. Your efforts will help create a brighter future for you, too.

That's worth every ounce of effort.

I know.







The 4th Annual Audi/Best Buddies walk/run event held recently in Washington, D.C. raised $2.5 million for Best Buddies.

See what can be accomplished when we join forces for good? It takes a village to help ensure the lives of those with exceptionalities are the best they can be.

Kudos to all involved in realizing this success.

Find out more here.

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

"Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It comes from indomintable will." -Mahatma Ghandi.





Tuesday, October 01, 2013




My answer to the partial government shutdown and shameless political antics holding this country hostage? Take the best special needs parents and let them govern.

They'll get things done in record time, for all the right reasons.