Celebrating Turkey Day 2008 -Thanksgiving Blessings & a National Day of Listening

On this lovely, unassuming little holiday, remember to give thanks for the smallest of blessings-- and instead of telling others how thankful you are for your family and friends, tell them. They'll feel extra blessed, especially your children. 

I'm thankful for so many things. At the top of my list is the honor and joy of parenting two great kids, one of whom happened to have special needs- and yes, I plan to tell them both how I feel, right before I grab that last piece of yummy pumpkin pie! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let the seasonal mayhem begin...

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Special Note: Friday will be the first annual National Day of Listening, sponsored by StoryCorps, which "asks you to start a new holiday tradition and set aside one hour on Friday, November 28th, to record a conversation with someone important to you." For more info: visit: nationaldayoflistening.org. Priceless!

Mural from the charming Grand Lux Cafe above Ann Taylor on Michigan Ave. Chicago. Judy Winter 2008.

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

Weekend Bliss & Nature's Beauty-Take Two

Sunday's adventure for my husband and myself included dinner out, shopping for holiday greens, and savoring the beauty of the annual Christmas tree in front of the Michigan Capitol Building. The night was clear, crisp and perfect for taking photos. Here are two takes of a favorite shot.

Magic is everywhere this time of year. All we have to do is open our eyes.

Photos by Judy Winter 2008. All rights reserved.

Judy Winter

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

Update: Extreme Makeover-Home Edition-Michigan Build

Extreme Makeover-Home Edition Alert!! 

The reveal of the Mayberry Homes Michigan build I wrote about at length in prior posts, complete with photos, is finally here. The program airs on ABC this Sunday, Nov. 30th, at 8 p.m. E.T.

If you're in East Lansing this weekend and like group TV, Mayberry Homes has booked the MSU Breslin Center, home of Spartan Basketball for the premiere.  

For more information, visit: abc or mayberryhomes.

Congratulations, Nickless family!

Photos of Michael Moloney & Rib Hillis by Judy Winter 2008. All rights reserved.

Judy Winter

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

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-Week Four

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs--Week Four (JudyWinter.com/All rights reserved). With a big holiday just two days away, I'm posting this week's entry early. Maybe it will help make your Thanksgiving more joyful.

Communicate!

Don't assume others can read your mind. They can't. Instead, arrange family meetings to discuss your child’s needs and how to best address them. Provide needed training and brainstorm ways to include the child with special needs in family activities. For example, if a he/she uses a wheelchair, address accessibility issues and plan activities in locations that don’t involve stairs.

Speak up now to help prevent bigger misunderstandings and hurt feelings later on. Family members, you can reach out and initiate problem solving, too. Our  children are always worth our best efforts, and your support to these families is priceless.

That's Jingles the Reindeer charming the crowd at a holiday open house.

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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-- Week Three/Posted Nov. 21st:

-Redefine your expectations. Throw all those visions of a perfect Hallmark family holiday right out the garland-draped window! Instead, ask what memories you want to create for all of your children. Having a child with special needs does not mean you must forgo memorable and fun holiday moments and traditions. Think creatively! It's worth the effort.

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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs -Week Two/Posted Nov.14th:

-Inclusion is the name of the game! Kids with special needs are children first, with big dreams and long holiday wish lists, just like other kids. Whenever possible, include the child in holiday festivities and activities like tree trimming, baking cookies, shopping for gifts, and attending church services (use the cry room if needed). Include that child in family holiday photos and videos, too.
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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs -Week One/Posted Nov. 7th:

-Address food allergies and noise/touch sensitivities and make allowances for them. The seasonal bounty this time of year can result in overload for many children, especially those with sensory, auditory and food issues. Kids with food allergies may not be able to eat all the traditional goodies most of us eagerly gobble up. Discuss alternative choices and inform family members about any life-threatening food allergies so they don’t offer the offending food to the child.

Judy Winter

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

Did You Know? -Thanksgiving Trivia 2008

The first year the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade added balloons was 1927. 

That's a lot of flying time.

Source: Martha Stewart.com

Judy Winter

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

'Gifts Money Can't Buy' & Special Needs-CAWLM Dec 08

Here's the link to my latest article for Capital Area Women's Lifestyle Magazine (CAWLM) entitled: 'Gifts Money Can't Buy: One Mother's Gifts from her Special Needs Child.' (Page 36).

This is one of several articles I've written for CAWLM, information I first shared on my Nov. 1st post. Refer back to that post for info on the other article headings/page numbers. Reminder:  The PDF format takes time to download, requiring your patience. Feel free to share my words, but please, give proper credit.  All rights reserved.

(Cover photo at left by Doug Elbinger 2008)

cawlm.com/latest_issues.html

Judy Winter

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

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs- Week Three

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-- Week Three

(JudyWinter.com 2008/ All rights reserved)

Redefine your expectations.

Throw all those visions of a perfect Hallmark family holiday right out the garland-draped window! Instead, ask what memories you want to create for all of your children. Having a child with special needs does not mean you must forgo memorable and fun holiday moments and traditions. Think creatively! 

It's worth the effort.

(Eric playing on city playground (with cousins) after Thanksgiving dinner and walk 2001)

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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs -Week Two/Posted Nov.14th:

-Inclusion is the name of the game! Kids with special needs are children first, with big dreams and long holiday wish lists, just like other kids. Whenever possible, include the child in holiday festivities and activities like tree trimming, baking cookies, shopping for gifts, and attending church services (use the cry room if needed). Include that child in family holiday photos and videos, too.
__________________________________________________________________

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs -Week One/Posted Nov. 7th: 

-Address food allergies and noise/touch sensitivities and make allowances for them. The seasonal bounty this time of year can result in overload for many children, especially those with sensory, auditory and food issues. Kids with food allergies may not be able to eat all the traditional goodies most of us eagerly gobble up. Discuss alternative choices and inform family members about any life-threatening food allergies so they don’t offer the offending food to the child.

Judy Winter

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

Shout Out! Update on Artist DJ Svoboda & Autism Society

I admit it. I'm thoroughly enchanted with the whimsical artwork of D.J. Svoboda. 

I first blogged about D.J., who has autism, on August 27, 2008 after he wrote me about his creative work and efforts to raise positive autism awareness. Today, D.J. informed me that one of his wonderful Imagifriend drawings has been included in the Autism Society of North Carolina's 2008 holiday cards.

Teapot, the Imagifriend image chosen, but with holiday revisions, is at left. (Image used with permission. D.J. Svoboda 2008. All rights reserved).

Huge congratulations, D.J.! Watch for more about this talented artist in my December Picture This! Faces of Abilities. 

Click here to order the holiday cards: autismsociety-NC.org

I love it when you share success stories with me!!! Keep 'em coming!

Judy Winter

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

Check it Out! Obama Wants You-Really! CHANGE.Gov

Just in case you're feeling a bit at loose ends now that the heated election's over, here's a cool site to get you busy again. Remember, even the greatest leaders need help realizing lofty dreams, including those President-elect Obama has for turning this great country around. 

Check it out and add your own stories and vision and hope for needed change. I especially want to encourage those with special needs, and their families, to raise/share their important voices/ideas on this site, as I just did.  

Here's the link to the current Obama-Biden Agenda on Disabilities: change.gov/agenda/disabilities_agenda

There's much to be done.

CHANGE.gov -Office of the President-Elect

This will be YOUR new administration! It's up to you to take full ownership.

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Photo: ©Eric Thayer 2008/All rights reserved- one of my fav photographers and a friend of my daughter's, both grads of Brooks Institute of Photography. Photo used with permission. Check out Eric's photos and those of other talented photogs from the 2008 campaign trail at: thestumpinggrounds. See more of Eric Thayer's work at: http://pa.photoshelter.com/usr-show/U0000GVDwnxYg744/Eric-Thayer

Judy Winter

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

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs- Week Two

• 
  
• Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-- Week Two 
• (JudyWinter.com 2008/ All rights reserved)
  

Inclusion is the name of the game! 

Kids with special needs are children first, with big dreams and long holiday wish lists, just like other kids. Whenever possible, include the child in holiday festivities and activities like tree trimming, baking cookies, shopping for gifts, and attending church services (use the cry room if needed). Include that child in family holiday photos and videos, too.

__________________________________________________________________

• Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-- Week One (JudyWinter.com 2008/ All rights reserved. First posted Friday, Nov. 7th.

Address food allergies and noise/touch sensitivities and make allowances for them.

The seasonal bounty this time of year can result in overload for many children, especially those with sensory, auditory and food issues. Kids with food allergies may not be able to eat all the traditional goodies most of us eagerly gobble up. Discuss alternative choices and inform family members about any life-threatening food allergies so they don’t offer the offending food to the child.

Photo above:  Eric and me after his performance in his final holiday play, Dec. 2002, a photo and memory I now cherish.

Judy Winter

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

Stop Using the R-Word!

Words DO hurt...Please take a moment to add your support to this important campaign. The on-going, casual use of the R-word to put down others or laugh at their expense, especially by young people and Hollywood, continues to fuel outdated, limiting and painful stereotypes that negatively impact millions of people with intellectual and other disabilities. 

Our word choices do matter.

Judy Winter

Author. Speaker. Advocate: Special Needs Issues

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

Say it Isn't S(n)o(w)!

I've heard of frost on the pumpkin, but this is a bit much. I prefer my first magical snowflake sighting on Christmas Eve.

Do we have to rush everything this time of year!!?

Judy Winter

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

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs- Week One

Now that the election and Halloween are history, the race to celebrate all those diverse holiday traditions is beginning in earnest.  I know that's true, because I've already witnessed several Christmas commercials airing before the Thanksgiving turkey has even realized it's time to again run for his life. But that's another post, for another time.

With Thanksgiving exactly three weeks from yesterday, and Christmas seven, I'm sharing the tips from my recent article Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs (see post of Nov. 1st). Beginning today, one of the seven tips will run on Friday, with the final tip posted on December 19th. (Fyi: My adorable nephew at left doesn't have special needs. Like most of us, he just enjoys a good holiday sugar buzz!).

I hope these suggestions provide supportive food for thought for you and your family and friends, whatever seasonal traditions you honor.  My goal is to make the lives of kids with special needs, and their families, shine just a bit more brightly this season. 

That's where you come in.

When it comes to holiday magic and special needs, good communication and planning are key.

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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-- Week One (JudyWinter.com 2008/ All rights reserved)

Address food allergies and noise/touch sensitivities and make allowances for them. The seasonal bounty this time of year can result in overload for many children, especially those with sensory, auditory and food issues. Kids with food allergies may not be able to eat all the traditional goodies most of us eagerly gobble up. Discuss alternative choices and inform family members about any life-threatening food allergies so they don’t offer the offending food to the child.

_____________________________________________________

Judy Winter

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

Winter Ramblings

Shout Out! Vote 2008-You Done Good America!

Congratulations, America!  You turned out in record numbers to take back the country and look at the result!  Real change. Real example.  

Real good.

Don't you feel just a bit more hopeful today? (Unless you voted for McCain/Palin, of course).

Now, what are you going to do to help President-elect Barack Obama realize all that change that he's promised us? Not even he can do it all by himself. 

Time to roll up our individual sleeves locally, statewide and nationally and become part of creating the important change we all seek.  Don't get quiet now.

Voting was just the beginning of something great.

Judy Winter

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

Granddoggy Zelda Says VOTE!

Whoof!! 

Granddoggy Zelda strongly encourages you to do your civic duty today and VOTE...or else!

She's really just a big pussycat. 

(photo by Jenna Winter 2008).

Judy Winter

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

Vote! -Real Change vs Mavericks

The countdown now begins in earnest.  Please, VOTE tomorrow!  

Me? I'm voting for CHANGE. 

Sorry, really cute Baby Trig.  Your mommy's way too much of a maverick for me. But I'll keep advocating on your behalf!

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Special Note: Here's some valuable informationI just received from my friend Shannon Garrett of the White House Project/Michigan Division: "If you or someone you know encounters a problem casting a ballot, the nonpartisan Election Protection program is ready to help. Call their hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (administered by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law) and 1-888-Ve-Y-Vota (administered by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund), or visit their website http://www.866ourvote.org/, for comprehensive voter information and advice on how to make sure your vote is counted." See you at the polls! ...Shannon Garrett

Thanks, Shannon!

Judy Winter

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

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs

Here's a link to Capital Area Women's Lifestyle, a Michigan magazine for which I've recently done a series of special needs articles, including a timely November piece entitled: "Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs."  The cover story is also about a special needs family.

With the holidays fast approaching, I hope you find these articles useful. Feel free to share my words/tips with others, but please give proper credit. All rights reserved. (Cover photo at left by Doug Elbinger 2008)

cawlm.com/latest_issues.html

The CAWLM articles (PDF files- be patient downloading!):

• Nov.: Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs, p.10
  
• Oct.: Accepting Your New Baby with Special Needs, p. 25
  
• Sept.: One Warm Winter (a profile of me/my work), p. 1
• Aug.: I'm Special, Too! (sibs), p. 15

Check back later in the month for the December piece!

Judy Winter

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

Cover Girl!

I'm proud to report that my first cover photo ever appears on this month's November Fine Tuning, the award-winning program guide for PBS affiliate WKAR-TV at Michigan State University. The photo, at left, is from the American History Museum (Washington, D.C.) 2006 traveling exhibit entitled, "September 11, Bearing Witness to History."

This cover holds special meaning for me because I worked in corporate development for WKAR-TV for nearly a decade, before facing one of the toughest decisions of my life: Give up a job I loved to ensure that my son had the best future possible. Hear that, Ms. Palin? For me, that was a no-choice choice, but the career decision still stings years later. I was fortunate financially to be able to make such a decision, one that richly impacted my son's life. Plus, my new career direction as a freelance writer on special needs resulted in amazing work I could never have envisioned early on.

I was on a book/media tour and in Washington to meet with Tim Shriver at the Special Olympics headquarters and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time for this shot! I think the photo is a perfect choice for the election month issue of Fine Tuning. It's a harsh reminder about a historical event that we should never forget, and it brings home the magnitude of what is clearly at stake as we head to the polls on Tuesday. The burn marks on the flag made it a powerful image to witness up close.

I admit that I've always admired the terrific photography selected each month for the covers of this outstanding monthly publication. While I've contributed written pieces to the magazine, a cover shot was never on my list of goals, until recently, when I renewed my interest and pursuit of photography. For me, this cover represents a full-circle moment, making it extra special.

I'm incredibly honored to join the ranks of so many amazing past Fine Tuning cover photographers. Thanks, Jeanie Croope & WKAR-TV!

For more on WKAR-TV & Radio visit: wkar.org
For more on PBS, visit: pbs.org

I love PBS, and so did my son. Please, support your local station, and keep this image in your mind when you VOTE on November 4th.

Judy Winter

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