WKAR-TV (PBS affiliate) and the film Rolling

Megan's Beach
U.S. Virgin Islands


I'm back after a nearly two-week sun-filled excursion to the U.S. Virgin Island where I spent some much-needed time refueling from the craziness of the year, while also honoring the fifth anniversary of my son's death. You never get over the loss of a child, but I've learned that you can live with renewed purpose that does justice to your child's life and legacy, and helps you get out of bed in the morning.

Every so often, I need to stop and remember why I have taken on what I have taken on. My son remains my on-going muse and teacher, and I miss Eric every single day. I remain in awe and humbled by what this young child's life has meant to so many others facing the challenges of special needs throughout the world.

So much for focusing on a child's disability...

Lots has been happening in my absence, and I'll try my best to catch you (and me) up on some of the highlights soon. But in the meantime, here's an April event that I'm thrilled and honored to be part of; be sure to check air dates/times for the film Rolling on your PBS affiliate station. There may be a local effort planned in your own community. Check it out!

I gotta go unpack and do some laundry!
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"Rolling Event"
Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
at WKAR

"Rolling" is a television documentary profiling wheelchair users.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DOCUMENTARY, VISIT: http://www.thirteen.org/rolling
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WKAR Receives Grant for Community Event

WKAR-TV was recently awarded a $4,000 grant by WNET/New York to host a community event focusing on wheelchair use and relating to the public television program Rolling, which will air on the public television station this spring. The grant was one of five offered to public television stations nationwide.

The free event will take place at WKAR on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and include both an extensive resource room and a program featuring several speakers, a musical performance and a preview of the national documentary.

Community partners for this event are the Capital Area Center for Independent Living, Center for Educational Networking, Peckham Industries, MSU College of Music and Community Music School, and MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. Judy Winter, the author of “Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs,” and nationally recognized speaker and advocate, is serving as project advisor.

The day-long event will include a resource room featuring organizations dealing with wheelchair use, independent living, and special needs, among other related topics. Those attending the free event will be able to pick up information and talk with representatives from participating organizations.

The program will take place at 1 p.m. and include remarks from several leaders on this topic, including Judy Winter, Al Swain of the Capital Area Center for Independent Living and a teen who is a wheelchair user. The program will also include a performance by students from the Music Therapy Program at Michigan State University’s Community Music School and a preview of the television documentary.

Please visit WKAR.org closer to the event date for an updated schedule and additional information.



JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter