Friday, July 22, 2011

Special Needs Back-to-School Series #2-Early Intervention for Kids with Special Needs




I'm a big fan of early intervention services for kids with special needs. These programs work to help children make gains while the brain is still developing, valuable efforts that might otherwise be more difficult as these children get older.

Here are some of my words regarding Accessing Early Intervention as reprinted recently at Parent Guide News.

When it comes to brain development, every moment counts.

Photo Jenna Winter

Simple Pleasures -The Marmelade Gypsy Blog


The demands of special needs parenting often define a parent's day, and his/her life. That's why I encourage parents to take time to balance out their lives and add some normalcy to what can sometimes feel like a pretty unnatural life.  You can do this through exercise, having coffee with a friend, listening to music that makes you dance, going to the movies or out to eat, or catching your favorite reality show (mindless escape), etc.

Another option is to follow an uplifting blog, one that isn't just about special needs. There's no shortage of them online.  The Marmelade Gypsy is a popular blog by a good friend of mine that attracts readers from all over the world, and yes, it's pretty much a chick site. Jeanie is great at providing photos and commentary about a variety of life moments, including those involving art and travel. What she shares there can help you escape your demands for a few moments, which may allow you to return to the reality of your parenting challenges a bit less stressed, and more balanced. Think armchair travel.

Although it may not feel like it, there is life beyond special needs. You just have to take time to explore the options, and you can always start your own blog.

But please keep coming back to mine. 

Photo of Jeanie Croope by Judy Winter 2011

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Judyisms






Inspiring Tales- Man Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro Using Only His Arms


'Man Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro Using Only His Arms,' and a handcycle. Read the Inspiring Tale here.

Watch the documentary of Chris's amazing climb, called One Revolution, here.

What could you accomplish if you looked beyond obvious human limitations?

Photo Judy Winter 2011

New Special Needs Back-to-School Series by Judy Winter- First Up, Funny Bedtime Stories


Before my book was published, I spent several years writing numerous columns and features on a wide range of special needs topics for local, state and national publications. Many of those earlier pieces are now online, including several articles/tips at the website Eduguide where they have been reprinted with my permission. 

Eduguide is committed to providing families and professionals with information/strategies that support a child's academic success. Because these articles are timeless, I've decided to provide links for several of those pieces as we approach back-to-school mania, beginning with the topic of quality parent/child time in the form of bedtime stories. It's one way I can support families during often unnerving back-to-school preparation rituals. 

Read Funny Bedtime Stories here, and check back frequently for more helpful links in the weeks ahead.

Knowledge is power, and sometimes the content is fun, too.

Simple Pleasures- Play Ball!



I've been taking time to play more lately, which included taking in a sultry nighttime baseball game in Detroit with my Tigers last Monday night. I sweated off five pounds, and D won the game.

It's America's favorite pastime.

Go Detroit!

How are you embracing leisure time?

Photo Judy Winter 2011

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Simple Pleasures-Hula Hoops!


Good old-fashioned, simple summertime fun in Ludington, Michigan. Shake it!

I love seeing kids playing outside and unplugged from technology.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

Judy Winter

Saturday, July 09, 2011

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Fifteen


Faces of Ability/9th annualRicStar's Camp/Day Fifteen

Payton takes pride in a song well played, with the assistance of RicStar's Camp Buddy, McKenzie. Photo Judy Winter 2011

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Judy Winter's Special Needs Parenting Tips Now on YouTube


I'm pleased to share with you that tips for four special needs parenting topics that I filmed for the PBS program A Wider World are now on YouTube. You can view them all at the links below, and please share with others you know could benefit. I'll add more links as they become available.







CVS Caremark All Kids Can Initiative -Tips for Professionals


I'm so pleased to have been asked to be a professional voice for the CVS Caremark All Kids Can initiative, part of a five-year, $25 million commitment to making life easier for children with disabilities.

Kudos to CVS for their strong commitment to this often underserved population and for their invaluable mission of "creating opportunities for children of all abilities."

My first post highlights tips for professionals working with special needs families. Find it
here.

More posts to come.

Kurtis is one of our favorite Canadians at RicStar's Camp. Judy Winter 2011.

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Fourteen






Faces of Ability/9th annualRicStar's Camp/Day Fourteen



Rehearsing. Photo Judy Winter 2011

Monday, July 04, 2011

Simple Blessings -A Sunset on the Mackinac Bridge




A last-minute ferry ride to have dinner on Mackinac Island (a.k.a. as my Island), capped off by another spectacular sunset on the Mackinac Bridge.

Icing on the holiday cake.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Twelve




Faces of Ability/9th annual RicStar's Camp/Day Twelve




Celebrating the 4th of July 2011!!




HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Wherever you are, wherever you go, make it a festive day.


15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Eleven


Faces of Ability/9th annualRicStar's Camp/Day Eleven




The best families you'll ever meet, including from Canada.

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Ten




Faces of Ability/9th annualRicStar's Camp/Day Ten


Our terrific camp emcee and mentor, children's book author, Johnnie Tuitel. Photo Judy Winter 2011

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