My Forbes.com article

Eric Richard Winter. 1990-2003. Jena McShane/McShane Photography. All rights reserved.

Check out my op-ed on Forbes.com published yesterday entitled 'Institutionalization Isn't the Solution to Senseless Violence,' here.

My take on institutionalization, mental illness and gun violence.

www.JudyWinter.com

Wednesday WOW! America's Got Talent: Kodi Lee

Erik Taylor Photos. All rights reserved.

Don't miss this story/video that highlights the power of music, big talent and a mother's unconditional love. 

Do yourself a favor and watch Kodi Lee's unforgettable America's Got Talent audition here.

Lee is a talented musician who is blind, has autism and he gets the Golden Buzzer and a standing O from AGT judges.

Never say never.

www.JudyWinter.com

Follow me on FB

Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Follow me on Facebook, where I post almost daily. 



www.JudyWinter.com

RicStar's Camp 2019 Registration!

Jenna Taylor Photo. All rights reserved.

Reminder that registration for the 17th Annual Eric  'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, aka RicStar's Camp, is now ongoing! All ages. All abilities. Sibs welcome. Scholarships. Volunteer ops, including for teens, dance, movement, certified therapy dogs, housing support, and so much more!  Did I mention, lots of fun?

RicStar's Camp changes lives.  Join us and take part in all the magic.

Details here.

www.JudyWinter.com

Weekend Spirit

Jenna Taylor. All rights reserved.

"I'm slowly becoming the person I should have been a long time ago." -Charlotte Donning.

www.JudyWinter.com

Weekend Spirit: Rumi

RicStar's Camp. Eric Taylor photo. All rights reserved.

"Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place." -Rumi

JudyWinter.com

Follow me on Facebook

Judy Winter. Author.  Barnes and Noble, NYC.

A reminder that you will find much more regular special needs updates on my professional Facebook page.

Check it out here.

JudyWinter.com

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

In honor of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, this guy. I will always love him. 

My forever muse.

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

JudyWinter.com

Love Wins

Photo courtesy of RicStar's Camp. All rights reserved.

These are especially difficult times in our country and world. Hate, violence, lack of civility, dishonesty and darkness seem to be the new norm.

But I believe strongly that eventually love, goodness, humanity, compassion and light triumph all. 

Powerful stuff.

The song "Love Wins" by Carrie Underwood seems to be an anthem and a light for me right now. Maybe it will brighten your life, too.

Few things are a sure bet. But this much I do know.

Music holds the power to heal us.

If only for a few moments of much-needed respite.

And, Love Wins. 

Listen here.

JudyWinter.com

Love not Hate

My thoughts are with the people of New Zealand during this time of unspeakable horror and tremendous grief and loss. 

Love not hate.

Judy Winter Images 2018

www.JudyWinter.com

Weekend Spirit

Winter Images. All rights reserved.

"As she waits for the future, she leans into the present, for there are truly beautiful things to be gathered there." -Morgan Harper Nichols

Do you see them?

www.JudyWinter.com

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, and all those that fight for equality and justice for all, especially for our children, I share with you this powerful battle cry: "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood and Co. Never give up.

You're far more powerful than you know.

Watch Champion here.

www.JudyWinter.com

Facebook Reminder

Winter Images. All rights reserved.

As we take on the many challenges of 2019, a friendly reminder that you'll find more regular posts (usually daily) on my professional Facebook page.

www.JudyWinter.com

CHRISTMAS REFLECTION 2018

Jenna Taylor Photo. All rights reserved.

Christmas Reflection. 

Each December, when my heart and soul start to feel a bit off in light of all the holiday magic, festivities and lovely holiday updates from others, I take time to check in with my son.

Eric passed away unexpectedly in 2003 at age 12 from complications of cerebral palsy.

At this especially emotional and frantic time of year, I gift myself respect and attention for the place in my heart that will never full heal, a sacred place reserved just for a mom and her beloved son.

With powerful emotions never far from the surface.

Holding Eric close to my heart at Christmas is a healing tradition that helps center my holiday world.

Makes it a tad brighter, too.

If you're grieving, and I know many people that are right now, I hope this post helps grant you permission to honor your loss, even embrace some new traditions in time.

Forget other people's expectations.

Loss is hard. Carrying it around forever is hard, too. Remember to take care of yourself. Be gentle. Patient. Loving. Hide under the covers if needed.

Try not to drink.

The intensity of grief won't last forever.

If you're trying to support someone that has experienced great loss, don't go silent.

Show up.

Ask about his/her loved one, then listen to the resulting, heartfelt, emotional words.

Your full attention is a sacred, healing gift that never gets old. No matter how much time has passed.

And for the record, a parent never gets over losing a child. Ever.

I will always be the mother of two children. Just ask me.


www.JudyWinter.com.

HOLIDAYS TIPS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES

Judy Winter Images

One from the archives. 

My Holidays Tips for Special Needs Families. 

Still timely.

'Tis the season, after all.

Feel free to add your own.

Watch mine here.

www.JudyWinter.com

MADELINE STUART HAS HEART SURGERY

Judy Winter Images

Madeline Stuart, that popular, ground-breaking model with Down syndrome, recently had open-heart surgery. 

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for full healing. Stuart has been a big part of helping redefine beauty in the fashion world.

Read about her recent health news here.

www.JudyWinter.com

DECEMBER PARENTING FOOD FOR THOUGHT

SANTA DOG REMINDS YOU TO CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE!

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Want more disability updates more quickly? 
Santa Dog reminds you to check out my professional Facebook page, where I usually post daily. 
Find, Like and Follow the page here.

www.JudyWinter.com.

MONDAY DISABILITY NEWS RECAP

Judy Winter Images.

Here's a Monday recap with just a few of the stories about disability currently making news.

George H.W. Bush and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). THV11.COM.
Here.

George H.W. Bush's service dog rests near casket in moving photo: "Mission Complete." USAToday.com. Here.

Jenni 'Jwoww' Farley's 2-year-old Son Diagnosed with Autism. People.com.
Here.

Twelve students with Down Syndrome complete noncredit college course at BCTC. ABC 36 News
Here.

Children with special needs share magical moment with Santa at Oakland Mall in Troy. CLICKONDETROIT.COM.  Here.


www.JudyWinter.com

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 2018

Judy Winter Images.

A valuable post in honor of today's International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

One billion people worldwide. World's largest minority group. Too often ignored, mocked, maligned, undervalued, and left out of the diversity discussion.

That's finally changing, evidenced in part, by this timely CNN.com piece, "Join the world in in recognizing the strengths and struggles of people with disabilities."

Long overdue. Much work remains.

Read it here.

www.JudyWinter.com

OCTOBER IS DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

DID YOU KNOW?

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

For more, click here. 

Judy Winter with actor Blair Williamson. LA Buddy Walk.

www.JudyWinter.com.

MONDAY MANTRA: CARLOS CASTANADA.

Judy Winter Images

Monday Mantra: Carlos Castanada.
"We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same."

Food for powerful thought.

What's your attitude like going into this brand new week of possibilities?

www.JudyWinter.com

WELCOME TO OCTOBER!

My babies. Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Welcome to October!

It's one of my favorite times of the year after September, which birthed both my babies and forever has my heart.

What do you love most about fall?

www.JudyWinter.com

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

Judy Winter Images

DID YOU KNOW?

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Hiring individuals with disabilities is good for business.

Find our more at: 

What can YOU do: the campaign for Disability Employment.


JudyWinter.com

Eric 'RicStar' Winter 2018 Music Video

RicStar's Camp. Erik Taylor photo. All rights reserved.

Take a look at the 2018 RicStar's Camp music video, This is Me. :)

Celebrate abilities and diversity.

Watch it here.

Weekend Spirit: John Burroughs

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Weekend Spirit: John Burroughs:

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order."

Get outside and play this weekend, people. It's good for your health and your family. Start small and build on your successes.

Filmmaker Dan Habib & Intelligent Lives

RicStar's Camp. Erik Taylor photo. All rights reserved.

Award-winning filmmaker, and father of a son with cerebral palsy, Dan Habib, is making waves and breaking barriers with his new film Intelligent Lives.

Read a little about the film buzz here.
The Intelligent Lives website is here.

Catching Up! Beginning with news of the BBC.

Judy Winter images. All rights reserved.

Because I've been traveling a lot since spring and because I tend to update my professional Facebook page more regularly than this blog, my posts here have been a little behind. 

My apologies if you've been waiting patiently for new stuff here.

Wait over. 

Here we go!

The BBC is among those broadcasters supporting an initiative to increase the percentage of people with disabilities working on screen or behind the scenes in television.

Let's hope it's just the beginning of such industry efforts worldwide.

Efforts long overdue.

Read all about it here.

Happy Father's Day!

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Here an article about just a few celebrity fathers that have kids with special needs.

Just like you.

Dads matter, too. Thanks for all you do.

Read it here.

A Little Mid-Week Beauty-Life Balance

Judy Winter Images / Mackinac Bridge

Lack of Quality Caregivers, Constant Turnover Tough on Families.

Yes. It is.

Read the article here.

Congratulations, Cody Sullivan!

Cody Sullivan is the first person with Down syndrome to graduate college only four years.

Check out his story here.

Trump Says the Paralypics Were Tough to Watch

Words fail. Except these.

The Paralympic athletes easily put you to shame, Mr. President.

Read the story here.

RicStar's Camp. Where the focus is on ability.

WEEKEND SPIRIT

Weekend Spirit: Henri Matisse.

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."

Judy Winter Images / all rights reserved.

Boston Strong: Tim Don and the Boston Marathon 2018

Here's an incredible story from yesterday's NY Times about Ironman Triathlon, Tim Don, seriously injured while training/riding his bike, his excruciating road back to recovery, and his remarkable finish in today's Boston Marathon. 

Don's goal was to finish in 2:50. He finished in 2:49. 

Never say never.

Boston Strong.

Read the inspiriing piece here.

RicStar's Camp 2018

Registration for the 2018 Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp at MSU's Community Music is now ongoing. 

Scholarships available.

Info, registration & volunteer ops here.

Jenna Taylor Photo/ RicStar's Camp/ all rights reserved.

Weekly Words of Wisdom

Weekly Words of Wisdom from

Mary Anne Radmacher.

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow."

#JudyWinterImages / all rights reserved.

Self Care Rocks

As a brand new week begins, list five things you could do this week to improve your own self care.

Do at least one of them.

Permission granted.

#JudyWinterImages / all rights reserved.

Possible New Treatment for Autism Symptoms

Newsflash!

New drug shows promise for some autism symptoms.

Read more here.here

April is Autism Awareness Month

Did you know?

April is Autism Awareness Month.

More about autism here

Honoring World Autism Awareness Day

Add caption

End R-Word Use

Have you signed the Spread-the-Word pledge, yet? 

Words do hurt. 

Especially this one.

Sign here.

Minute Vaca-Nature's Beauty-Breathe Out

Judy Winter Images / All rights reserved.

Registration Now Open for the 2018 Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, aka RicStar's Camp

Jenna Taylor Photo. All rights reserved.

Registration is now open for the 2018 Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, aka RicStar's Camp.

Volunteer ops are also available, including for teens. Scholarships are available.

Check it all out here.

Mental Illness and Homelessness

A powerful, sobering read about mental illness and homelessness.

From the front page of last Sunday's New York Times. 

Read it here.

There but for the grace of God...

The Cow Whisperer at the Iowa State Fair

Take a minute to watch this great video about 11-year-old Alec and his steer at the Iowa State Fair.

Well worth the view. 

BRAVO! New Gerber Baby has Down Syndrome

The new Gerber Baby has Down Syndrome.

All I have to say about that is: groundbreaking and BRAVO!!!

Real all about this terrific news and Lucas here.

Music Helps Heal Injured Brains

MUSIC IS POWERFUL STUFF

Check out yet another news story about its value, here.

Dates for the 2018 RicStar's Camp have been announced!

Check it all out here.

RicStar's Camp Photo by Jenna Taylor. All rights reserved.

You can now check out all the 2018 updates to my website: www.JudyWinter.com.

That includes easy access to links to my social networking sites and YouTube videos featuring some of my Special Needs Parenting Tips, and much, much more.

Explore, learn and enjoy!

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

HEADS UP!

LONG-OVERDUE BLOG/WEBSITE UPDATES COMING VERY SOON!

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND YOUR CONTINUED VISITS.

IN THE MEANTIME, CATCH ALL MY UPDATES ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE.
BreakthroughParentingForChildrenWithSpecialNeeds

Happy New Year!

Judy Winter Images. All rights reserved.

Let disappointments of the old year go and dream big for the new.

Happy New Year!

Judy Winter's Holiday Special Needs Tips

Judy Winter Holiday Images 2015

Here are a few of my video suggestions for ensuring a less-stressful holiday season for families of kids with special needs.

Hope it helps.

Watch it here.

Merry Christmas

Judy Winter Holiday Images 2015

Holiday Words of Wisdom: Helen Keller.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

'Tis the Season of Giving to the Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp

RicStar's Camp. Erik Taylor Photography.

As you plan year-end giving, please consider a gift to the Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, aka RicStar's Camp.

This yearly, award-winning music-therapy camp, now in its 14th year, welcomes individuals of all ages and disabilities into a summer-camp setting focused on nurturing and celebrating individual abilities.

Everyone is equal there.

No one is turned away from RicStar's Camp because of disability or financial need. Many campers could not attend this amazing event were it not for the scholarships we provide because of your generous support. 

Many campers return year after year, calling it the highlight of their year.

RicStar's Camp and music therapy change lives.

Please help us do that again for this too-often underserved and undervalued population in 2016.

From the bottom of our music-loving, ability focused hearts, thank you.

Find out more here. Watch the great camp videos, too. 

Check out my Facebook Page

A reminder that more regular special needs posts appear on my professional Facebook Page: Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs.

Check it out.

Joshua Perry. Ohio State Linebacker and Special Needs Sib Extraordinaire

Joshua Perry is an talented Ohio State linebacker and all-around great young man. 

He's also an outstanding special needs sibling. His brother, Jahred has Asperger's syndrome.

Watch the story here. 

Holiday Self Care

Judy Winter Holiday Images 2015

What have you done for yourself lately?

Oxygen mask on your own face first, especially during this trying holiday season.

Take time for YOU.

Permission granted.

World Cerebral Palsy Day, October 7th, 2015

In honor of today's World Cerebral Palsy Day, my baby and on-going muse, Eric.

Never forgotten. 

Always in my heart.

Always.