WINTER RAMBLINGS

Good CNN piece today by Emanuella Grinberg about efforts to eliminate the word retarded from our language. The piece includes an interview with mom/blogger Ellen Seidman of Love that Max (see last post).

Today has become a huge day for intelligent conversation, and that represents big progress for the disability community.

Read Ending ther R-word. Ban it or Understand it? here.

Image courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Love the Love That Max Video Would You Call My Child a Retard?

2012-03-07T09:01:00.018-08:00

Love that Max is a terrific website about one mom's spirited take on raising Max, an adorable child who has cerebral palsy. Max's mom produced a powerful video that expresses beautifully why so many of about want to stop casual use of the r-word. It's not about censorship. It's about respect for all. Please take a moment to watch the video and then consider joining me in signing the pledge.

Would You Call My Child a Retard? is well worth your time and reflection. I'm not sure anyone, including me, has voiced the reason for our call to action more perfectly.

Brought tears to my eyes.

Courtesy image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Today is Spread the Word to End the Word Day

2012-03-07T08:57:00.008-08:00

Lots of conversation has been generated because of today's official Spread the Word to End the Word Day, an effort spearheaded by Special Olympics to make us all think before using the word retard in everyday language. Because I believe strongly in this effort to make the new r-word Respect, today's posts are all about that effort, beginning with the familiar banner and a call to join us.

Please join me and sign the pledge.

Respect is a much better word.

Here's my post briefly stating why I support this effort.

Watch Circle of Friends video 'Disable the Label' here.

Courtesy image. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Lives Worth Living-Christine Rouse

2012-03-06T08:58:00.024-08:00

Christine F. Rouse was recently featured on Kathy Lee & Hoda for the segment Everyone Has a Story for her work on behalf of those with special needs.

Rouse is executive director of Acting Without Boundaries (AWB,) a year-round theater experience for those with physical disabilities. She is also executive director of Kids Are Kids, a disability awareness educational workshop she created at age 16 in response to the daily teasing she endured because of her differences. 'What makes us different, makes us beautiful,' is the Kids Are Kids mantra.

Rouse, who today has a B.A. in elementary education, has cerebral palsy.

Find out more about Christine and her terrific work here.

Lives Worth Living. Focused on Ability.

Courtesy photo.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Life Balance -Congratulations to Coach Izzo & My MSU Spartans!!

2012-03-05T10:16:00.016-08:00

Congratulations to Coach Tom Izzo and the Michigan State University ((MSU) Spartan basketball team for hanging yet another Big Ten championship banner at the Breslin Center in East Lansing yesterday afternoon. Special kudos to Tom Izzo and Draymond Green for being named Big Ten Coach of the Year (Izzo) and Big Ten Player of the Year (Green).

What Tom Izzo has accomplished at MSU is simply amazing. Proud to be a Spartan.

Now, bring on March Madness, and the Detroit Tigers, too.

Can't work all the time. Life balance.

Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Monday Morning Jump Start-Joel Osteen

2012-03-05T07:43:00.014-08:00

Food for Monday morning thought:

"If you are the smartest one in your group, your group is too small." -Joel Osteen.

Love.

Photo Judy Winter

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Olympics-Spread the Word to End the Word 2012

2012-03-05T07:25:00.023-08:00

Please join me and sign the pledge.

Respect is a much better word.

Here's my post briefly stating why I support this effort.

Watch Circle of Friends video 'Disable the Label' here.

Courtesy image. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!!

2012-03-02T05:27:00.010-08:00

My son, Eric, loved it when I read Dr. Seuss books at bedtime and screwed up the words with my own crazy, mixed-up versions. Got to the point where my boy wouldn't tolerate me reading any of them as written. 'I do not like green eggs and spam; I don't like 'em and neither does Sam.'

I still treasure the memories of all those loud giggles.

No disrespect intended to the literary master.

Happy Birthday Dr. S!

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Kudos -The NBA and Special Olympics Play Together

2012-03-01T14:05:00.011-08:00

Look at the cool inclusive event between Special Olympics athletes and members of the NBA.

Big progress, and fun.

Watch it here.

Judy Winter Photography/NCAA Finals Detroit

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Olympics-Spread the Word to End the Word 2012

2012-03-01T06:09:00.001-08:00

Courtesy Image. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Random Thoughts -March In Like a Lamb?

2012-03-01T06:05:00.005-08:00

Close enough.

Judy Winter Photography 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Thanks, RicStar!

2012-03-01T05:51:00.011-08:00

Preparing for another big year of changing lives at RicStar's Camp, all because of my amazing, sweet boy.

Thanks, buddy! xoxoxoxo

Your sweet music lives on.

Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Hear Yea!! -RicStar's Camp Registration 2012 Now Open to ALL!

2012-03-01T05:16:00.003-08:00

Registration for the 10th annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp (aka RicStar's Camp) at Michigan State University, for individuals of all ages and disabilities and their siblings, is now open to all interested campers. Camp fills quickly and the long waiting list rarely moves. Scholarships are available, as is lodging for a fee. So don't delay.

You must submit the application form and your check to hold a place. Find that and more here.

A decade of celebrating abilities!

Photo Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Words of Wisdom from Rev. Ed Bacon- March 2012

2012-03-01T05:15:00.001-08:00

"In every moment, something sacred is at risk."-Rev. Edwin Bacon, Jr. All Saints Church

Photo by Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Media Alert! -Gail Williamson Discusses Entertainment Weekly Piece on Actors with Down Syndrome

2012-02-29T12:39:00.018-08:00

Join Gail Ford Williamson of Down Syndrome in Arts & Media (DSiAM) tomorrow on the Sheena Metal Experience (Live LA) LIVE from 5 to 6 PM PST (9 p.m. EST). Gail will be discussing the Entertainment Weekly article about actors with Down syndrome. Please listen and tell your friends with children with DS to listen. You can also call in and add your voice.

Click here and click on LISTEN LIVE or call in at 323-203-0815. Open for important discussion and greater awareness.

Go Gail!

Courtesy images used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Olympics-Spread the Word to End the Word 2012

2012-02-29T12:35:00.002-08:00

Courtesy Image. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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PBS Features The Healing Power of Music

2012-02-29T08:07:00.022-08:00

Thanks, in part, to interest in Gabby Giffords' remarkable recovery from injury to the brain, here's a terrific piece about the power of music therapy to heal a wide range of disabilities and brain injuries. During the past decade, we've witnessed and celebrated the magic of music therapy many times at RicStar's Camp. It's a remarkable profession that changes lives.

This piece helps most better understand how/why. I only wish they'd included our camp. Perhaps a followup in June?

Watch The Healing Power of Music here.

I'm already a convert.

Special Reminder: Registration for ALL campers interested in attending RicStar's Camp opens tomorrow! Scholarships are available, as is housing for a fee.

Photo Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Reflections -Ohio Shooting

2012-02-27T12:13:00.008-08:00

Thinking of the students in Ohio and wondering how we ever got to this point.

Hearts again broken. Innocence stolen. No easy answers.

Photo Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Olympics-Spread the Word to End the Word 2012

2012-02-27T10:15:00.041-08:00

As a writer, I don't usually endorse censorship, but I don't promote/use ANY hate speech either. That's what the word retarded represents to millions. Have you ever heard anyone use this word to build someone up?? Like other hate speech we loudly denounce, the r-word reinforces painful, outdated and limiting stereotypes. Because of my son, who was wrongly judged to be intellectually challenged due to wheelchair use and limited motor skills/speech, I know firsthand the daily tough judgement faced by 200 million people plus because of ignorance and insensitivity fueled by the continued casual use of this word.

I choose to show Respect to others instead. What about you?

Words do hurt.

Banner courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Celebrating the 10th Annual Sprout Film Festival

2012-02-27T09:20:00.037-08:00

I can't believe that RicStar's Camp and the Sprout Film Festival are both celebrating ten years of great special needs efforts!!

We are. We celebrate music; they celebrate films. We both focus on special needs & ability.

Since I've already highlighted my terrific camp, here's the annual info on the Sprout Film Festival from its executive director, Anthony Di Salvo. This is one exciting yearly event I hope to attend.
________________________

The tenth annual Sprout Film Festival will be showcasing 53 films related to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities from 13 countries. The festival will take place Friday April 27 – Sunday April 29, 2012 in NYC at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

You can visit their site for the schedule of films and trailers.

Free Streams: New films are continually added. Check out the latest films that can be streamed for free here:

Cared Witless: an 11-minute narrative from the UK can be found here.
Distinctively: a 4-minute documentary from the US can be found here.
Beyond Borders: a 20-minute documentary from Belgium can be found here.

Finally, you can see the upcoming schedule of our Sprout Touring Film Festival here.

'Making the invisible, visible.'

Courtesy image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Lives Worth Living Photo Feature-the Greig Family

2012-02-27T08:41:00.021-08:00

My name is Lisa Greig and my husband's name is David. We live in Mississippi. Our 8-year-old son's name is also David. He has cerebral palsy and loves being outdoors. David also has a little sister, Cecelia, who adores him and loves to shares kisses with him. She's twenty months old.

My best advice to others parents of children with special needs?

Be patient with yourself, your family, and your child/children. Love today like there is no tommorow. Don't sweat the small stuff. Find someone you can talk to about your parenting challenges and doctors you can trust. Finally, read Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations. (Note: I didn't pay Lisa to say this, but it is good advice, so I'm leaving it in!).

I think a great attitude helps, too, and Lisa seems to have that in spades.

Lives worth living. Focused on ability.

_____________________________________________________________

If you'd like to see your family featured here, e-mail me at JudyWinter.com.

All photos courtesy of Lisa Greig. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Random Thoughts -The Oscars 2012

2012-02-27T07:51:00.014-08:00

Watched the Oscars last night (bored) and three words, and sleep, quickly won out:

Internet. Tomorrow morning.

But I loved (love), loved, loved Robin Roberts and all the pretty dresses.

Photo Judy Winter Photography

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Update: Registration for 10th Annual RicStar's Camp

2012-02-27T07:38:00.016-08:00

Final reminder to returning campers/families and potential new campers. Registration for the 10th annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp at Michigan State University (aka RicStar's Camp) will open to ALL interested campers this Thursday, March 1st. Camp will fill up, so act quickly.

FYI: The long wait list rarely, if ever, moves.

Just sayin.

Courtesy image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Best Buddies International

2012-02-25T06:38:00.008-08:00

Click here for more information.

Courtesy Image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Olympics-Spread the Word to End the Word 2012

2012-02-24T15:22:00.005-08:00

Banner courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Media Alert & Kudos -Entertainment Weekly & Actors with Down Syndrome

2012-02-24T13:14:00.111-08:00

Today, I'm giving big kudos to Entertainment Weekly and writer Lynette Rice for this week's excellent feature on working actors with Down syndrome, including Lauren Potter of Glee, who has done much to enhance the awareness and understanding of actors with special needs, and become a powerful advocate in the process. I could sum up the specifics of the piece, but you can read it for yourself. I'd rather use this space to explain why I believe the article deserves our attention and discussion at all.

But BRAVO to all the actors profiled in the piece.

As a writer, I've been covering special needs parenting issues for twenty years, first, as a contributing newspaper columnist and feature writer, then as an author, blogger and national speaker. All efforts have been fueled by the love for my son, Eric, a musically talented child who was diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy and passed away far too soon in 2003 at age 12. Everything I do on behalf of special needs awareness is designed to honor his legacy and amazing life, and to teach what we'd painstakingly learned firsthand.

When I was raising my son, there was no Internet, no social networking, no 'real housewives' and other reality television, no mommy bloggers, Jersey was the shore, and there were few if any resources that highlighted kids with special needs as having value and potential. Most did not understand how such children could be worth our parenting effort, or worth the money required for needed services or an education. Far too many people still view having such children in a family as a curse or shame. They could not be more wrong.

In those early years, it was rare that the challenges and successes of millions of kids with special needs were ever covered in the media. Their successes were left out of our history books and not discussed in our classrooms. Still aren't. When they were addressed in the media, the reporter's words tended to further fuel outdated and painful stereotypes. Harsh terminology, including handicapped, crippled, crazy, retard and spastic, gimp, suffering, wheelchair bound and spec-ed kids were terms most often associated with our children, and the media, including Hollywood, was more often than not, guilty of perpetuating those outdated perceptions. That has made the achievements of our children, and the spirited, 24/7 efforts of their families, especially tough to realize or celebrate.

Shamefully, that is still too often the case today.

But in 2012, I finally perceive a positive shift in coverage of the special needs population by the media. I sense a greater understanding and sensitivity to the subject matter and the reality of the human rights struggle that it represents, one not unlike other minorities have faced. I sense a critical shift to a crucial awareness that these individuals are human beings, too, not alive to be the target of sick jokes, crude storylines and cruel put downs, or denied basic dignity and freedoms others take for granted. They are not to be defined solely by disability. They are not team mascots.

They deserve big dreams, too.

My hat is off to Gail Williamson, formerly of California's Media Access Office and the Down Syndrome Assocation of Los Angeles (DSALA), and now with Down Syndrome in Arts & Media (DSiAM), which helps actors with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities find work. No one has worked harder to help these actors realize their creative dreams, a passionate mission born of the love for her own son, Blair, a successful working actor with DS.

Gail and I are mommy lions who met early on in my parenting journey. We've fueled each other's tireless pit-bull advocacy for years, when few else cared, believed in what was possible, or chose to remain silent. I'm proud to call her my friend. I'm even prouder that my own son, who had a physical disability, taught me to never stop trying to make his life and that of other kids with disabilities better, and in the process, try to right some big societal wrongs, including blatant descrimination. It's a passionate mission I continue today, nine years after his death. To say it has been difficult would be an enormous understatement.

Creating needed change for those with special needs has been the toughest challenge I've ever taken on, even tougher than raising my beloved son. That harsh, infuriating reality still fuels me on. I'm not nearly as naive as I once was, and that has empowered me to fight successfully for change.

This EW article represents huge progress in perceptions and reporting of actors with disabilities. But it is only a beginning. We need to recognize their challenges for what they are, one part of a larger human rights struggle. Many people today still refuse to see that all disabilities are worthy of our discussion and support and accurate portrayal and reporting, not just one. We have far to go. Still, this is a start.

The good news is that as a writer and activist, I can no longer keep up with all the media coverage of special needs, and many other voices of determined, loving parents have today been loudly added to my own. My work is not nearly as isolating as it once was. My son would be proud.

Finally, we are humanizing this population and raising our spirited voices together. Long overdue.

Read Inside the Lives of Actors with Down Syndrome here, and let ET know you approve of what they've done, especially during this week of the Oscars.

Huge progress. Lives worth living. Focused on ability.

Images courtesy of Gail Williamson at DSiAM & Richard Redlin. Used with permission.

For more information on registering your child with DSiAM, Williamson asks that you click here.

Actors in group shot: Back L-R, Luke Zimmerman SECRET LIFE OF AN AMERICAN TEENAGER, Jamie Brewer AMERICAN HORROR STORY, Robin Trocki GLEE, Blair Williamson CSI, ER, NIP/TUCK, SCRUBS, Luke Spinnelli GLEE. Front L-R Katelyn Reed AMERICAN HORROR STORY, Lauren Potter GLEE.

Top shot of Gail Williamson of DSiAM, with son, Blair, an actor.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Media Alert! -Special Needs.com, Breakthrough Parenting & Staring

2012-02-22T09:37:00.001-08:00

Thanks SpecialNeeds.com for your request to print an excerpt my book about what is for many special needs families an unnerving subject-- staring.

Read Dealing with Staring here, and watch for more of my words on that terrific resource.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Media Alert! -Sarah Gordy, Down Syndrome & A Role on Upstairs Downstairs.

2012-02-20T13:00:00.001-08:00

Established actress, Sarah Gordy, has nabbed a key role on the BBC's Upstairs Downstairs. The role is considered ground breaking because the character has Down syndrome, as does Sarah.

The series returns to BBC tonight and will air on PBS stations later this year.

I like. I share.

Read it here.

Lives worth living. Focused on ability.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Playing Photog-Jack

2012-02-19T05:38:00.001-08:00

My pensive, patient pup.

Great therapy dog and best writer's dog ever. Shelter dogs rock! This one is changing lives, including mine. Please, adopt.

I'm sure glad I did. So is Jack.

Judy Winter Photography 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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TGIF from Special Olympics

2012-02-18T13:58:00.001-08:00

Okay, I'm a day late on this TGIF message, but that's okay because it's worth waiting for. I just LOVE this photo and message from Special Olympics. But then I love everything they do. This one made me smile. Hope it does the same for you.

What a beautiful face. Enjoy!!

"Celebrating the best feeling in the world – joy! Happy Friday!"

Photo Courtesy of Special Olympics

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Media Alert! -Brain Scans Detect Early Autism

2012-02-18T13:16:00.001-08:00

The following CBS report is especially exciting because early diagnosis and intervention services are critical for children with autism.

Watch Brain Scans Detect Early Signs of Autism, here.

Photo RicStar's Camp Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Movie Alert! -Fingers Crossed for Labor Day Casting

2012-02-18T12:54:00.001-08:00

Submitted head shots of two of our favorite RicStar Camp participants and now hope they get the nod for moving forward in casting of a special needs role for the new Kate Winslet movie Labor Day. Both guys would be terrific, and they've got great moms, too.

Fingers crossed for Kurtis and Evan!

Photo RicStar's Camp by Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Unearthed Treasures #2

2012-02-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

I'll always treasure this amazing likeness of my son, Eric, that was created as a gift for us after he died by his talented young friend, Cassie.

Priceless.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Kudos to DJ Svoboda on Imagifriends Book Cover!

2012-02-18T12:29:00.010-08:00

Congratulations to my talented artist friend, D. J. Svoboda. I've blogged about Daniel before, but I'm pleased today to announce that one of his whimsical Imagifriends drawings (which I love!) has made the cover of the new book D iz for Different: One Woman's Journey to Acceptance by Camilla Downs. You may recall that Daniel is a successful working artist who happens to have autism.

Check out Daniel's work, here.

Congrats to the author, Camilla Downs, too! She is a special needs life coach. Find out more about her work, here.

Lives Worth Living. Focused on Ability.

Courtesy Image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Random Thoughts -Aging and Gravity

2012-02-18T12:19:00.005-08:00

A benefit of aging. The older I get, the less need I have to be competitive, loud or right.

But I'm not too keen on the gravity games.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Bob Hoffman, CBS News & Paying it Forward

2012-02-18T11:55:00.027-08:00

I'm proud that my community made the CBS Evening News last night because of the on-going efforts of one individual to promote random acts of kindness to strangers.

Bob Hoffman's altruistic efforts began after a driver in East Lansing, Michigan cut him off in traffic. The decision he made in that moment to respond in kindness instead of rage, and include others in his efforts, has since caught fire in a mid-Michigan community filled with big hearts. Watch the spot from On the Road with Steve Hartman at the link below, and then think of ways you can impact your own communities. A kinder, gentler world is exactly what we need, and it begins with each one of us. One person can indeed make a difference.

Watch Michigan Man Encourages Others to Pass it Forward here.

Big kudos to Bob Hoffman.

Don't you just love good news? I sure do.

Courtesy Photo

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Images of RicStar's Camp-Lovely Grace

2012-02-18T11:49:00.004-08:00

Lives worth living. Focused on ability.

RicStar's Camp photo by Erik Taylor Photography 2012.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Gail Williamson's New Effort to Employ Actors with Down Syndrome

2012-02-18T11:38:00.002-08:00

My friend, Gail Williamson, formerly with the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), has a new venture called Down Syndrome Arts & Media (D.S. I AM) to help employ actors with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, territory she knows well. For casting purposes, the Facebook page includes photo albums of actors with DS and other intellectual disabilities according to geographic location, age and gender. Interested parties can then contact Gail directly to pursue casting/hiring.

For more info, check out DSIAM on Facebook, and on its website, here

No one has done more to help actors with special needs get the professional gigs they deserve, while creating greater awareness of the population in the entertainment industry, than Gail has.

Congrats, Gail Williamson on this exciting new venture.

Courtesy images.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Parents Magazine Announces Best Parenting Blogs 2011

2012-02-18T11:36:00.001-08:00

Find the list for families of children with special needs, and others, here.

Just in case you thought you were alone in this dicey parenting journey.

Courtesy image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Remembering Eric's Death and Honoring His Life.

2012-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

Nine years after the death of my son, Eric, a few things I know for sure. Eric had the best dad and big sister any child could hope for, and he knew he was deeply loved and valued by many. A parent never fully gets over the death of a child. But they can again live life fully. Time alone heals nothing. What we do with that time, does. Parenting a child is a sacred responsibility, and hard work. A single act of kindness is never wasted. It can change someone's day, or his/her life. One person can make a big difference and create needed change in the world, including a seemingly 'imperfect child,' who remains my greatest life teacher.

Your music lives on, RicStar, always will.

xoxoxoMom

Info on RicStar's Camp, which honors Eric's remarkable life and legacy, here.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Happy Valentine's Day 2012 from Therapy Dog, Jack

2012-02-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Jack loves everybody, and he's a canine cutie patootie. But he's still not getting any chocolate.

Happy Chocolate Day!!

My kind of holiday.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Olympics & Best Buddies to Converge on Capitol Hill

2012-02-07T08:19:00.001-08:00

Family members, coaches and leaders of Special Olympics and Best Buddies International from forty states will converge on Washington, D. C. on February 8th for the annual Capitol Hill Day to help ensure that the needs of and equality of people with disabilities are at the forefront of important upcoming political discussions.

The groups will also be advocating for passage of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2012 to honor the founder of Special Olympics, who died in 2009.

The contingency will meet on February 8th at 5:30 p.m. E.T. at the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.

Random Thoughts -Profanity & The Voice

2012-02-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

Love the show, but what was up with all the profanity on The Voice last night?

Cheapens a terrific show, and takes away from all the great stories they share about the contestants, and isn't the show supposed to be about them? Hmmmmm.....

Please, stop.

Photo of RicStar's Camp participant by Judy Winter

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Nike Just Does It-New Shoe for those with Prosthetic Limbs

2012-02-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

Love this! Leave it to marketing/sporting-gear genius Nike to create a shoe for athletes with prosthetic limbs. It's called the Nike Sole and Nike worked with international marathoner, Sarah Reinertsen, first woman to finish the grueling Hawaii Ironman with a prosthetic limb, to make it happen.

Find out more about this cool creation here.

Lives worth living. Focused on ability.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Media Alert! -New York Times & Employment of those with Disabilites

2012-02-06T06:07:00.003-08:00

Good reflection by a professional without a disability speaking to a student crowd filled with them. I like her honesty, too, but not the employment rate among those with disabilities, which is just 17.9 percent vs 63.7 percent for the general population.

Shameful.

Read A Chance to See Disabilities as Assets by Peggy Klaus here.

Photo my friend and talented working actor, Blair Williamson, by Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Media Alert! Wonder Dogs & Special Needs Kids-New York Times

2012-02-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Powerful story in Sunday's New York Times about one service dog's success reaching a seriously disconnected and raging child with Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The piece is a reminder of the challenges of hidden disabilities in foreign adoptions (and U.S.), the devastating effects of the deadly mix of alcohol and pregnancy worldwide, one mom's determination to reach her son, and the unwavering spirit of canines who love and perform unconditionally.

Makes me even prouder of the work that my dog, Jack , and many other remarkable service/therapy animals, do each day. Jack gives the piece two paws up. Me, too.

Read Wonder Dog here.
Find 4 Paws for Ability, which provided the service dog in the story, here.

Photo of my Wonder Dog, Therapy-dog Jack, by Judy Winter 2012. (Therapy Dogs International).

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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What's Your Take? -New Mobility Magazine Selects Artie Abrams of Glee as its Person of the Year

2012-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a little controversy to get the special needs juices flowing. That's what New Mobility magazine has generated with their cover of Artie Abrams from Glee as its Person of the Year.

For starters, Abrams is a fictional character on the ever-popular program, Glee. He's portrayed by able-bodied actor Kevin McHale, who's become a teen pop-phenom in a role that many actors with disabilities feel should have gone to someone with the cast member's disability. In short, many believe that casting of such roles with able-bodied actors takes away the too-few opportunities to make a creative living by actors who live the realities of disability each day. I believe that's the harsh reality.

On the other end of the discussion is the reality that the role, regardless of who's in it, has generated huge awareness and discussion and perhaps greater understanding and acceptance of those with special needs by the millions of viewers watching the show each week, and that's priceless.

So what's your take? Should a television actor without a disability who's portraying someone with special needs be honored in this way? Does Abrams/McHale's performance and the attention to the subject matter warrant such recognition, or does this choice add fuel to the justification of taking away key acting roles from those with real disabilities? Weigh in. Raise your voice and write the editors of the magazine and tell them exactly what you think.

New Mobility editorial staff admits that their intention was to rattle cages and create controversy with their choice of the cover teen.

Mission accomplished.

Read the piece here.

Special Note: Lauren Potter's role of Becky Jackson on the Glee has also become a phenom. Potter plays a character with Down syndrome, a disability the actress has.

Courtesy cover.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Casting Alert-Teenage Boy with Cerebral Palsy for New Kate Winslet Film Labor Day

2012-02-02T07:09:00.001-08:00

I've been asked to put out the word for casting for the new Kate Winslet/Josh Brolin film Labor Day (Paramount Pictures), based on the New York Times bestseller by Joyce Maynard.

Here's the brief scoop. There's a role for a teenage boy, age 12-17, with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability who uses a wheelchair. Filming will be next summer on the East Coast, so the gig will not interfere with school.

Find out more here, but act asap. Deadline is February 14th.

Major studio/film/director. Major stars. An actor with the disability in the required role.

Major progress.

Photo of RicStar Camp participants Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Disability News I Like

2012-02-02T07:01:00.001-08:00

The White House has announced a nine-city disability tour this spring to address disability issues regionally.

Find out more here.

I like.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Hear Yee!-Registration Now Open for 2012 RicStar's Camp

2012-01-31T11:47:00.001-08:00

Registration for RETURNING campers is now open for the 10th Annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp at Michigan State University's Community Music School (aka RicStar's Camp). Camp registration will open to all new campers beginning March 1st.

The 2012 RicStar's Camp will be held Thurs. June 14 thru Sat. June 16th. Fees are the same as 2011. Financial aid available. You must return a completed 2012 Registration form and payment to hold your spot.

Reminder: Register early! Camp always fills up quickly.

For more info, including opportunities to sponsor a deserving camper, signing up teens without disabilities for our popular Buddy Up Program, becoming a guest musician or an adult volunteer, please click here.

Music changes lives, especially here. But we can't make the magic happen without you.

Lives worth living. Focused on ability.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Reminder-Last Call for VSA 2012 Entries for Young Soloists

2012-01-30T08:53:00.001-08:00

Final call!!

Application deadline is tomorrow January 31st.

Equal time for musicians!! The VSA 2012 International Young Soloists Award Program is looking for entries from musicians, ages 14-25, with disabilities. Cash award and an opportunity to perform on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stage in Washington, D.C.!! Find our more here.

Focused on ability.

Photo RicStar's Camp by Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Best Buddies International-YouTube Friendship Video

2012-01-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

Among other important work, Best Buddies International provides opportunities for one-one-one friendships between individuals with and without disabilities. Check out the YouTube video of one such friendship between Bridget and Eric, friends for two years.

Watch it here.

Courtesy logo.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Thanks, Oprah! I'm Lovin OWN's Super Soul Sundays

2012-01-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

Wasn't so sure when it first started, but now I like what Oprah's been doing with her new network OWN. After channel flipping through the vast wasteland of Sunday morning television a couple of weeks ago and landing on OWN, I'm now hooked on Super Soul Sundays, and I'm pretty fond of Oprah's Master's Class too.

Thanks, Oprah, for continuing your quest to offer rich, intelligent and powerful discussions that help motivate me and feed my soul, and that of millions of others.

The woman gives great TV.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Words of Wisdom from Iyanla Vanzant- February 2012

2012-01-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

"Create what you want, instead of being stuck in what you don't have." -Iyanla Vanzant

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Kudos to Hallmark & A Smile as Big as the Moon

2012-01-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit I'm a sucker for all those sappy Hallmark Hall of Fame Specials. I like how they transport viewers to a simpler, gentler, more civil time, with no guidette or wayward housewife in sight. But last night's A Smile as Big as the Moon about a Michigan special education teacher who fights to take his class of students with diverse needs to Space Camp, captured my heart more than most. I savored every single moment of the program, and yes, it made me cry. Best of all, this wasn't just Sunday evening feel-good family television, this was based on a true story.

My son would have loved this story, all the kids in it, and going to Space Camp. I would have been in the thick of things helping make that happen, and then writing about it, too. Instead, I was cheering loudly at my television.

Kudos to Hallmark, one great Michigan teacher, and everyone involved with this terrific program.

More, please.

Courtesy image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Media Alert! -NY Times-Ritalin Gone Wrong

2012-01-30T05:53:00.001-08:00

Major op/ed feature in yesterday's New York Times about the use/abuse of Ritalin and other drugs. With millions of kids now being medicated, this piece is well worth the read and valuable discussion. It's written by L. Alan Sroufe, professor emeritus of psychology of the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development.

Do the drugs really work or do they create bigger problems than they solve?

There are no quick fixes.

Read Ritalin Gone Wrong here.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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REMINDER: Tonight-Special Needs Media Alert! Hallmark Hall of Fame

2012-01-29T08:27:00.001-08:00

Can't wait to watch the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Smile as Big as the Moon, airing this Sunday, January 29th, on ABC at 9 p.m. E.T. The film's based on a true story/book about Michigan special educator and football coach, Mike Kersjes, who fights to realize a dream to have his special education students take part in Space Camp, a highly competitive educational opportunity that promotes the study of math, science and technology.

Extra perks? John Corbett, Aiden Shaw, of Sex & the City fame, plays the teacher, while many of the actors appearing as special education students, actually have special needs. Big progress.

Read more about the terrific movie here.

Education at its finest, and focused on ability.

Courtesy Image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Minute Vacations -Happy 175th Birthday, Michigan!

2012-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

Haven't shared a Minute Vacation with you in a while, so here you go, a brief escape from the big and little demands of the day. This shot is of the Mackinac Bridge (aka Mighty Mac), which joins the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of my beautiful state of Michigan, which celebrated a birthday yesterday.

Happy 175th Birthday, Michigan! Your beauty still dazzles.

You can enjoy the Bridge WebCam here. But it is prettier in the summer.

Want to visit this incredibly beautiful state,? Click here. We are about more than just automobiles. Although, our cars are cool, too. They help drive the economy big time.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Good Resource -Disability.gov

2012-01-27T06:02:00.001-08:00

Disability.gov is the federal government website with lots of good information on national and local programs, communities services and valuable links for additional resources of importance to those with special needs, and to those who care about them and disability issues.

There's even a blog with guest bloggers.

Check it out here.

Courtesy logo.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Lives Worth Living -Blessing Offor, Musician

2012-01-26T11:37:00.001-08:00

Recently, I posted the 2012 VSA Call for Musicians with Disabilities. In case you need a little extra motivation to enter, here's an update from VSA, regarding Blessing Offor, recipient of the 2010 VSA International Young Soloists Award.

Offer, who now has his own CD, 'Guilty Pleasure,' performed on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage one year ago today.

Watch Offor's performance here. Music changes lives.

Life worth living. Focused on ability.

Courtesy photo.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Lives Worth Living -Stephen Wiltshire-Artistic/Autistic Savant

2012-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

I admit I only recently became aware of the incredible work of artist, Stephen Wiltshire (thanks Facebook friends!). Wiltshire paints and draws the most remarkable cityscapes with painstaking detail after studying them, sometimes only briefly. Wiltshire, who didn't speak fully until age nine, is also autistic.

The amazing story of this 38-year-old artistic savant is much too rich and beautiful for me to do justice to in a short blog post. Check it our for yourself, here. Well worth your time.

Life worth living. Focused on ability.

Photo of Chicago street artist by Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Kudos to Richard Redlin & New Web Series About Disability StarringLauren Potter

2012-01-26T08:10:00.001-08:00

Hoping to create greater awareness of actors with disabilities, Richard Redlin, an actor with a disability, has created the new interactive online web series Leader of the Pack, a quirky comedy featuring kids with and without special needs. Redlin wanted to tell a great story, but with a more diverse cast.

The series will launch February 1st and stars Lauren Potter of GLEE fame. Potter has Down syndrome and has become a popular and vocal advocate for those with special needs.

Check out Leader of the Pack here.

Check out the Facebook page here.

Read why Lauren Potter agreed to star in the webcast here.

Check out Executive Producer/Creator Richard Redlin here.

Progress in Hollywood. Kudos to Richard Redlin and everyone involved in this ground-breaking series.

Courtesy photo.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Random Thoughts -Take it Inside, Governor Brewer

2012-01-26T07:45:00.001-08:00

Don't really care what your beef is with the President, Governor Brewer. Pointing your finger at Barack Obama's face, especially in front of eager reporters recording every dirty look and angry word, is neither politically/media savvy nor cool.

Take it inside, please, and have a private conversation.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Transportation Security Administration Launches TSA Cares

2012-01-26T07:11:00.001-08:00

From my friends at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation:

The Transportation Security Adminstration (TSA) has launched TSA Cares, a toll-free helpline to provide information and assistance to passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families before they fly.

Learn more here.

Friendlier skies on the horizon????

Photo Judy Winter

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Gabrielle Giffords Officially Resigns From House of Representatives

2012-01-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Watch Gabby Giffords official resignation.

Love this woman. What a remarkable spirit she is, and an example for all. Can't wait to see where this new path takes her.

The world needs more Gabby Giffords.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Cool Photos- Eddie Tuduri of TRAP

2012-01-25T12:07:00.000-08:00

Love this photo of Hani Naser of Hani Naser Band, and drummer, Eddie Tuduri, founder of the The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP), an international effort which uses percussion to facilitate learning in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Tuduri, who has played with such legends as Ricky Nelson and The Beach Boys, founded TRAP after breaking his neck in a surfing accident that left him temporarily paralyzed. The drummer used his music expertise to help himself recover, an event which dramatically changed the trajectory of the rocker's life.

Learn more here.

Photo courtesy of TRAP. Used with permission of Eddie Tuduri.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Activism- Johnnie Tuitel Fights for Rights of Airline Passengers with Disabilities

2012-01-25T11:53:00.001-08:00

Update on my friend, Johnnie Tuitel, who was removed from a US Airways flight in September 2010 after they deemed the popular author/speaker too disabled to fly. Johnnie is now working with lawyers and legislators to change a law that currently prevent him from suing the airline for damages. He's also creating a new Facebook page to support his venture entitled, Let Em All Fly. In case you missed it the first time around, I've included my original post on Tuitel's air-travel fiasco below.

You can watch an interview on Johnnie's latest advocacy efforts on behalf of all those with disabilities who fly, here.

Find out more about Johnnie Tuitel the man, here.

_______________________________________________________________

Former Post: October 15th, 2011

Just when I thought it was safe to take a day off from the blogsphere, a story comes up that hits far too close to home to ignore.

It's a disturbing story about US Airways allegedly taking a man off a late September flight because he was deemed 'too disabled to fly.' An agent then advised the passenger that he could only take the flight with an able-bodied companion who could assist in case of an emergency, a policy stated on the airline's website.

The man they removed from the aircraft is my good friend, Johnnie Tuitel, a motivational speaker, entrepreneur and author of the popular 'Gun Lake Adventure Series,' which features a child with cerebral palsy as its hero. The series is loosely based on Tuitel's life. The author is a family man, a college graduate who has traveled by air 500,000 miles the past two years alone to make a living and help support his family. That family includes three great sons, all of whom volunteer each year at the camp I co founded to honor my son's life called RicStar's Camp. Johnnie Tuitel serves as our camp emcee each year, and as a powerful example of ability for the campers. This year, his unselfish actions earned him our 2010 RicStar Award for Outstanding Community Service.

I met Johnnie years ago. Once you meet him, you never forget him. It becomes easy to ignore the wheelchair. As a journalist who'd recently turned her focus to special needs parenting, I was immediately fascinated by Johnnie's life story and his example of overcoming tough odds to live a productive life. Meeting him helped me see what was possible for my own son in light of his significant physical disability. I met Johnnie Tuitel at a time I most needed his example. Johnnie helped energized me for the advocacy work ahead. I've been forever grateful and we've become great friends.

After publishing a newspaper column as part of a series I did profiling successful adults with disabilities, I decided to also include Johnnie's story in my book. His story and spirit are equally remarkable. Johnnie has spent his entire life challenged by the physical realities of cerebral palsy. Given his big personality, that's not an easy reality. But Johnnie lives life to the fullest and doesn't waste time on 'why me?' He forges ahead, as he will after this recent event. He's smart, funny, hard working and charming, with a tremendous commitment to helping others as he heals from his own sense of loss of mobility. The author doesn't believe life owes him anything because of his disability. That's why this story hits so hard.

The man I know beyond the wheelchair is someone who would most likely help the crew get others off the plane safely in an emergency before even thinking of himself. Then, he'd crawl out if he had to, probably making jokes and laughing on the way out. He has spent his life fighting hard to promote human rights/dignity/independence for himself many others with disabilities, impacting countless numbers of individuals in life-saving ways. If anyone can turn this outrage into effective advocacy and necessary change, Johnnie Tuitel can and will. That's my friend.

Johnnie finally reached his destination to speak at the 2010 National Self Advocacy Conference in Kansas City on Delta, but he missed his professional gig.

I feel the sting of his outrage and the injustice, too. I'm again reminded of how far we've come, and how far we still have to go to ensure the rights of those with special needs.

I'm 'Team Johnnie,' all the way.

See the story/video here .

UPDATE Oct. 11-Fox News

UPDATE: See Johnnie Tuitel on CNN here.

Photo Judy Winter 2010 Johnnie & his terrific sons @ RicStar's Camp

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Media Alert! Hallmark Hall of Fame

2012-01-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Extra perks? John Corbett, Aiden Shaw, of Sex & the City fame, plays the teacher, while many of the actors appearing as special education students, actually have special needs. Big progress.

Read more about the terrific movie here.

Education at its finest, and focused on ability.

Courtesy Image.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

Flickr Page

VSA 2012 Call for Musicians with Disabilities

2012-01-23T07:14:00.001-08:00

Focused on ability.

Photo RicStar's Camp by Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Life Worth Living -My Take on Gabby Giffords Resignation

2012-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

So many people now making comments on social networking sites and in the media appear to feel sorry for and badly about Giffords announced resignation from Congress, while others have been calling loudly for just that.

But not me.

Because my family life also was completely turn upside down by the unexpected disability of my second child two decades ago, I see this development a bit differently than most. Like Giffords, my tough reality rocketed me into a challenging universe filled with amazing career and personal opportunities and special needs activism that I'd never envisioned for myself. I, too, left a job I loved, a glamour job in public television, unsure of anything except the need to help my son have a better life, a 24/7 commitment.

The need was immediate. Our futures uncertain. My future career path a huge question mark. That reality still stings. But I know I made the right decision, one that significantly impacted the quality of my son's life, and my own. It was never easy, but it was ultimately so rewarding. The toughest job I've ever held, with the greatest teacher I've ever known.

Since that day I walked out on my dream job (a no-choice choice), I've since had more impact on others than I ever would have if my life course not been so dramatically altered. I believe that's exactly what Giffords will do without the frustrating and sometimes selfish and painstakingly slow confines of the political process to impede her. I, for one, can't wait to watch it all unfold. Disability changes everything, and there is still healing to be done. She deserves time to prepare for this new chapter of her amazing life.

Gabby Giffords survived for a reason. I know.

Remarkable woman. Life worth living. Watch out world.

Watch the beautifully stated announcement here.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Where Has the Sun Gone?

2012-01-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

Somewhere, the sun is shining. Just not in my backyard.

Pass the Vitamin D, please.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Life Balance -New Shoes!

2012-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

Love my new Gaga-like shoes. I wear them while sitting at my desk and stare. They provide me with creative, youthful inspiration. A shoe muse, if you will. But I can't walk in them, which clearly makes this aging-wanna-be-baby monster fashionista a bit of a woos.

Time to change into my cute Borns and go run errands.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Peter Dinklage Dedicates Golden Globe to Martin Henderson

2012-01-18T09:02:00.001-08:00

With regards to the rights and dignity of those with special needs, one part of this post celebrates how far we have come. The other, how far we've still to travel.

When Peter Dinklage, a successful and talented actor, who also has achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism, accepted his Golden Globe this week for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, he dedicated his win to Martin Henderson and then advised people to google the man. Turns out Henderson is an aspiring actor in England and was recently the victim of senseless act of something called 'dwarf tossing.' A stranger picked the actor up against his will and threw him to the ground resulting in partial paralysis.

I will never get used to such unforgivable, senseless examples of man's inhumanity to man, ever. But I will always raise my voice loudly against them.

Read more here. And kudos to the talented Peter Dinklage.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Special Needs Media Alert! -Push Girls to Debut in April

2012-01-18T08:34:00.001-08:00

This new program produced by Gay Rosenthal for the Sundance Channel about four Hollywood models who use wheelchairs, sounds promising, especially since Rosenthal also created the popular 'Little People. Big World.' I'll be checking it out when it debuts in April. Special note: three of the four women acquired their disability due to auto accidents, a sobering reminder that disability can happen to anyone at any time (not to mention the real dangers of distracted drivers and driving while drunk).

Now, if we could just get the media to quit using the outdated terminology 'wheelchair bound.' People don't live in wheelchairs. They use them to get from Point A to Point B.

A special needs activist's work is never done.

Find out more about 'Push Girls' here.

Courtesy photo.

Judy Winter
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Winter Ramblings Blog
Flickr Page

The Power of Technology & Autism & Personal Expression

2012-01-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Until age 11, a young girl with autism was locked inside a body and disability, unable to express herself in ways that others understood, until technology changed everything.

The ABC 20/20 Medical Mysteries segment featured below explains how Carly was able to break out of her body and communicate with others, especially her family, and show her intelligence. The resulting reality is both beautiful and life changing. The story reminded me of the first time my son, Eric, was able to express his own independent thoughts by using a computer, a memory which still brings tears to my eyes. He was finally able to prove that his wheelchair use and physical challenges did not also automatically equal an intellectual disability. Game changing. People treated him differently.

In the future, we had hoped state-of-the-art technology would give our son the freedom to pursue and showcase his love of music and song writing and attend college, dreams cut far too short.

Technology has opened up the world for so many people with disabilities, as has the unconditional love and perseverance of so many remarkable parents and some exceptional professionals. Bless them all.

Watch 'Autistic Gril Expresses Unimaginable Intelligence' here, and become inspired and further motivated regarding your own personal goals.

Photo Jenna Winter

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Heads Up-Free IEP Seminar in Detroit Jan. 25th

2012-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

FREE IEP Seminar in the Motor City next week, in case you live nearby or plan to be in town. You can hit the 2012 North American Auto Show and Eastern Market, too!

Find out more about the seminar here.
Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Child model with Down syndrome inspires thousands

2012-01-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

I've already posted about how the Internet has been abuzz over a recent Target ad (love them!) that includes 6-year-old Ryan Langston, who has Down syndrome. The ad has received kudos because of the way in which Ryan's disability was never highlighted. In short, he was presented as just another model. This is an example of a growing and popular trend of using children with special needs in advertising, media efforts which have inspired many.

After working for twenty years to increase awareness of the value of kids with special needs, and their families, I can't tell you how excited I am to see this huge progress being made in the tolerance, acceptance and awareness of our kids in the media, not to mention greater appreciation and respect for the often overlooked purchasing power of their parents.

One note regarding the video below, I was left wondering why Ryan is not being educated in a regular school and classroom, especially given his status as just another kid in the media. Food for thought.

Learn more about Ryan's story here.

Child model with Down syndrome inspires thousands

A life worth living.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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2012 Call for Young Artists with Special Needs for CVS-VSA 5th Annual Competition

2012-01-17T11:05:00.001-08:00

Calling all Young Artists with Special Needs!!!

Two of my fav resources, CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can CREATE program and VSA (the international organization on arts and disabilities) have again joined together to offer the 5th annual opportunity for young artists to see their work in action, and on display for all to see.

This year’s theme, What Inspires Me?, invites children to showcase their answers through original artwork. Appropriately enough, the contest kicked off yesterday on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Artwork submitted before April 8, 2012, (click here) will be featured in an online gallery and considered for display in the “What Inspires Me” exhibition debuting at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. in August 2012. One hundred and two pieces of art―two from each state and the District of Columbia―will be part of the exhibition. Last year’s call for entries resulted in more than 4,700 submissions from across the country and featured paintings, photography and sculptures.

Children are invited to stretch their imagination by using traditional art materials as well as non-traditional ones, such as wrapping paper, newspaper or aluminum foil. In addition, teachers who submit their students’ artwork are eligible to receive one of four $1,500 cash awards to use in their classrooms.

The deadline for the 2012 All Kids Can CREATE Call for Art is April 8, 2012. To submit artwork, click here.

“CVS Caremark is proud to partner with VSA for the fifth year on the All Kids Can CREATE campaign, furthering our commitment to inclusion and giving children of all abilities a unique opportunity to express themselves through their artwork,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, CVS Caremark. “The artwork celebrates each individual student and raises awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion.”

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You know I like this stated mission, so get busy expressing your creative self and help change perceptions about what artists with special needs CAN do.

All Artwork from 2011 contest courtesy of CVS Caremark. All Kids Can. Used with permission.

Top: Shades of Grey-Martin Luther King, Jr. by Isabelle, age 11

Middle: A Color World by Jacob, age 12

Bottom: African Elephant by Tucker, age 5

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Special Needs Kudos -Ricochet the Surf Dog

2012-01-17T10:57:00.001-08:00

Update on that remarkable surf dog, Ricochet.

He's been one busy pup.

Watch it here.

When one door closes.....

Courtesy Photo.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Random Thoughts- Mood

2012-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Moody landscape. Gentle rain tapping on skylight. Jack curled up on my office chair, snoring gently. Sporting purple form-fitting post-holiday sweater dress with confidence (me, not Jack). SNAP! Breathing in steam of fragrant Ginger Peach tea from oversized mug cradled in my hands. Public Radio on loudly for inspiration and renewed spirit.

Perfect writer's day.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Unearthed Treasures #5

2012-01-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

Another unearthed treasure, a test shot taken years ago by the terrific Donna Terek, now a staff photographer for the Detroit News. The shoot was part of a Parents magazine photo essay of kids across the country with special needs and included Eric.

I love it!

Photo by Donna Terek

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Celebrating a Decade of RicStar's Camp!

2012-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Getting in the mood for all the upcoming hoopla over the 10th year of the Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp!!! More soon, including info about 2012 camp registration.

Focused on abilities!

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Special Needs Thump on the Head to Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall

2012-01-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

There's so much I need to share with you today. Let's get started with some news from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, news that both infuriated me and also seemed particularly timely.

While speaking at a conference against funding for Planned Parenthood, conservative Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall (R), allegedly said, "God punishes women who have had abortions by giving them children with special needs," a statement that has fueled national outrage. Read that reported news here. Marshall denies that he either said or believes that statement and blames a student journalist for taking liberties with his words.

I watched the conference snippet and what Marshall said was, "the number of children subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengence on the subsequent children."

Say what???

Vengence is a particularly potent term here, one Marshall now says he regrets using. In his defense, not that I am defending the guy, (however, I do believe in fairness and accuracy in the media), studies back the reality that having an abortion can have serious future medical challenges, including increased risk of having a child with a disability, which was supposedly Marshall's poorly worded point. But his word choice and emotional presentation left his insensitive statement open to angry, defensive interpretation. Now, he's trying to stop the resulting firestorm that has ensued and save his political career.

On the plus side, this has generated opportunities for more valuable discussion and awareness of special needs, and revisited that stubborn belief by many that having a child with special needs is some sort of parenting curse, a outdated, cruel stereotype that needs to die. There is no shame in having a child with a disability. I repeat, no shame, unless you allow it to be placed there.

I watched the video that included Marshall's remarks and found them insulting and insensitive. Watch it here and add your take. Guilty as charged? Or, were liberties taken by an inexperienced reporter?

For the record Mr. Marshall, I've never had an abortion, but I was blessed, not cursed, with a remarkable child with cerebral palsy for nearly thirteen years. Like most parents, I didn't do anyting to create my unexpected and challenging parenting reality, but I did everything in my power to raise Eric as a child of value. In all his apparent imperfection, my son became my greatest life teacher. Eric could have taught you a great deal, too.

I believe strongly that someone needs educating, and it's not the people to whom Mr. Marshall appears to have hurled insults. Choose your words more carefully next time, Mr. Marshall. True leadership and compassion is what this country really needs, now more than ever.

Being a bit more media savvy wouldn't hurt, either.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Honoring Equality for All on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2012

2012-01-16T06:58:00.001-08:00

I have a dream, too, Dr. King.

When we speak of equality and dignity and human justice for all in your name, especially on this important day in history, we must remember to add those with disabilities to the equation and valuable discussions.

Their struggles and lives matter, too. Yet too often, they are ignored in these discussions.

Here's a past post about my take on this important day. I still stand by these words today.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Unearthed Treasures #4

2012-01-04T10:24:00.001-08:00

Quite possibly my favorite photo ever of my kids taken on my daughter's graduation day from high school. I know that Eric would have been an incredibly handsome and kind and compassionate adult, much like his beautiful sister. Try not to miss photo ops with your children. You'll be happy to have them.

One cherished image.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Special Needs Media Alert- LA Times & Joey Travolta & Inclusion Films

2012-01-04T09:48:00.001-08:00

Inclusion Films, is a new workshop effort in Hollywood that trains adults with developmental disabilities on the in/outs of the film industry. It's spearheaded by Joey Travolta, brother of John. It's not the first effort for Travolta championing those with special needs. He's run acting workshops for those with disablities and produced the Keri Bowers/Taylor Cross film Normal People Scare Me, about living with autism. "I've found my true calling," Travolta says of serving this population.

Read the Los Angeles Times piece Inclusion Film Opens Doors in Hollywood, here.

Kudos to you, Joey Travolta, for all the ways in which you are using your name, talents and, important industry contacts to change the lives of those with special needs.

Responsible use of celebrity, and huge progress.

Logo courtesy of Inclusion Films.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Esquire & George Clooney's New Canine Buddy

2012-01-04T08:59:00.001-08:00

George Clooney knows that shelter dogs rock. Read cover-boy Clooney's take on his new canine buddy, Einstein, and politics, too, in the January issue of Esquire, here.

Jack gives this article and Clooney, four paws up. I just look at the actor's photo and sigh.

Please adopt!

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Jack -2012 Therapy Dog Update

2012-01-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Jack and I just got renewed for a third year representing Therapy Dogs International. So we're off to begin a new year of therapy dog adventures and changing kids lives, and they, ours. First day back after a long holiday school break and lots of sugar buzzes? Wind chill? Inside recess? Jack is going to be a very busy boy.

Let the lovin' begin.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Noah's Dad and Target Advertising

2012-01-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

Target has a long history of including kids with special needs in its advertising, efforts I've applauded in the past. What I like about a recent blog post entitled Target is Down with Down Syndrome: 5 Things Target Said by Saying Nothing at All, about the retail giant's marketing decisions to not make a big deal about using a model with DS in its advertising, is the kudos come from the father of a child with Down syndrome, aka Noah's dad.

I'm a big believer in the valuable role played by dads in all families, but especially in families that have children with special needs. Great dads rarely receive enough praise for what they do. I'm thrilled their voice/perspective/advocacy is out there in the blogging world, too.

Read one dad's take on special needs parenting, and about Target's recent marketing efforts, here.

Dads are Very Important Parents (VIPs), too.

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Developmental Disabilities & One Question-Sproutflix Documentary

2012-01-04T06:47:00.001-08:00

At a time of year when so many of us cite lofty New Year's resolutions, most of which will never come to fruition, I find this simple 7-minute documentary by Sproutflix worth a look. It's another effort by Sprout, the non-profit committed to providing innovative programming for those with developmental disabilities and part of their Make a Movie Program.

Sprout also puts on the annual Sprout Film Festival in New York City each year, an admirable effort I've posted about in the past. The production crew for this short film included individuals with intellectual challenges and asked one question of 35 people with developmental disabilities:

If You Could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?

Watch the thought-provoking video here.

How would you answer this One Question about your own life?

Making the invisible visible.

Photo of Blair Williamson courtesy of Gail Williamson.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Happy New Year Everyone!!

2012-01-01T06:57:00.001-08:00

A good friend who suffered big losses during the holidays has announced that she will welcome her first grandchild in 2012. I like this first bold beautiful imprint on the new year.

Thanks to the Universe for balancing life out, congrats Sharon and John, and Happy New Year to everyone!

Shiny new life slate for all, overflowing with possibilities.

Photo of Eastern Market Detroit by Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Fun Photos -Happy New Year's Eve 2011!

2011-12-30T13:21:00.001-08:00

Judy Winter 2011

Special Needs Media/Advocacy Alert-Lauren Potter & the President's Committee for People with ID

2011-12-30T13:12:00.001-08:00

From Lauren Potter's mother, Robin:

Please join me in congratulating Lauren as she is sworn in for her appointment to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Mayor's Office at Riverside City Hall. We are SO proud of our girl!

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Can't wait for Tuesday. Huge congrats to you, Lauren Potter! All signs point to you continuing to be an excellent, vocal and highly visible advocate and spokesperson for those with special needs. Great way to begin 2012.

Cause for celebration, and progress.

Photo of Lauren Potter with Blair Williamson courtesy of Gail Williamson.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Unearthed Treasures #3

2011-12-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

Another unearthed print treasure of Jenna and Eric, and one of my favorite photos of them ever.

Worth a thousand words, plus.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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Words of Wisdom from Dr. Seuss-January 2012

2011-12-29T13:32:00.001-08:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

Photo Judy Winter 2012

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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My new FAV Special Needs Mommy Blog-Flappiness Is

2011-12-29T08:17:00.001-08:00

There are several informative and entertaining special needs parenting blogs being written today by moms and dads who are walking this often dicey walk. One of my new favs is flappiness is: Navigating the World of Early Childhood Autism with One Special Little Boy by Leigh Merryday, the parent of two young children under age six, including one with autism.

Can you imagine this mom's daily challenges?

I recently featured her blog post An Apology From Your Child's Former Teacher, a post which has generated lots of reaction, pro and con. Merryday's words are especially helpful for those parents of kids challenged by autism. But I find this mom's insightful, honest and humorous posts worth the read by all who care about children with special needs, and by those trying to better understand its big challenges and many rewards.

Merryday doesn't sugarcoat her daily reality and she's not afraid to tackle controversy, which I believe helps her better educate others. And that, helps create needed change. Kudos to you, Leigh Merryday.

Read flappiness is here.

Photo courtesy of Leigh Merryday. Used with permission.

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

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Lives Worth Living Day 22- Rynita McGuire & Arthrogryposis

2011-12-29T07:52:00.000-08:00

Thirty-four-year-old, Rynita McGuire, was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a rare condition that results in multiple fixed joints throughout the body and significantly limits physical movement. But that reality hasn't stopped her from living life full out, including getting a college degree from Western Michigan University, painting in a college studio, and becoming a DJ.

Read an article focused on McGuire can do, here.

Life worth living.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

Judy Winter

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Winter Ramblings Blog

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