Ladies of The Talk- Are You Listening?

Monday Mini Rant:

So, the ladies of The Talk took time today to discuss at length Paula Dean's wrongful and on-going use of the N word, as they should. Kudos for that conversation.

But, the gals uttered not one single word when guest Felicity Huffman said the word retarded on their program weeks ago, even though Huffman immediately apologized for her indiscretion.

This slur impacts millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families worldwide. 

It, too, keeps ugly, outdated stereotypes alive and gets in the way of education, job opportunities and a better life. The r-word, too, is worthy of discussion.

So, let's get talkin, ladies.

My Response to the Heated Whoopi Goldberg/Bill Mahrer/Sarah Palin R-Word Controversy

I don't have the energy today to get in the middle of the Whoopi Goldberg/Bill Maher/Sarah Palin r-word controversy, so I'll just share a ramble I wrote last year on this very topic. 

I now share these emotional, heartfelt words whenever this controversy rears it's less-than-pretty head. I do so in the hope it creates greater understanding and increased awareness of why the word is so offensive to millions of people worldwide, and why it has now been replaced with the word Intellectual Disability. 

By sharing, it's my attempt to further educate and be an effective special needs change agent, cause that's how I roll. 

You can read my rant here.

Only the names have changed.

Here's a little background info for you, too, to bring you up to speed. 

Reminder. I try to update here on a fairly regular basis, but most of my daily special needs posts now appear on my professional Facebook page. Here are the links to my current social networking sites pertaining to special needs.

Facebook: Special Needs Parenting Posts
Pinterest: Special Needs Parenting Board-Fav Resources
Twitter: Judy Winter

Monday A.M./P.M. Mantra:

It's OKAY to ask for help. What's your most pressing need this week? Go wrangle up the support you need to help meet that need. 

It's not a weakness to ask for help. Just the opposite. It's empowering.

Judy Winter Image 2013. All rights reserved.

Monday Spirit:

I missed sharing Sunday Spirit with you yesterday, so let's make it Monday Spirit instead. I think this quote is a good one for week-long motivation and daily living. Hope you agree.

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every moment with love, grace and gratitude." 
-Denis Waitley.

Face of RicStar's Camp 2013!

Judy Winter Image. RicStar's Camp 2013. All rights reserved.

I know you want to see this amazing face of ability from RicStar's Camp 2013.

Evan Fiorella is one of our long-time, terrific RicStar's Camp participants from Canada. He is now studying music at Michigan State University's Community Music School through a specialized program. He asked me if I thought Eric (my son and camp namesake) could hear all the music campers were playing at camp and if he'd be proud. I answered by showing Evan a photo of himself that I had just taken of him in his rock session. Told him this was his answer.

Also told him he got extra points for looking like just another crazed MSU student.

Focused on Ability.

Monday A.M. Mini Rant:

So, it's Monday and I'm coming off an amazing high from watching so many people of all ages with exceptionalities showcase their hard-hard-won successes at RicStar's Camp. 

Today's headline/breaking news? Kim Kardashian had a baby girl. Pardon me if my brain/soul are having trouble balancing the two realities.

Famous for what, exactly?

Now, if her five pound little darlin ends up having any kind of special needs, we'll talk.

Mini rant over.