Happy 46th Anniversary, Special Olympics!!

Photo courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

Did you know that it has been 46 years since Special Olympics played its first games in the backyard of Eunice Kennedy Shriver's home?

It's true

Special Olympics has since grown into a special needs giant, changing the lives of millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide, and those of their families, by giving those with exceptionalities the chance to compete in sporting activities, too.

Huge kudos to everyone that has made this wonderful organization the success it is today, especially its talented atheletes.

Special thanks to the remarkable Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She remains one of my heroes.

Focused on ability.

"You are the stars and the world is watching you."

More on Special Olympics here.

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Weekly Faces of Ability-RicStar's Camp

Making music at RicStar's Camp 2014 The lovely Rose.

The beautiful Rose.

Her name suits her perfectly.

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RicStar's Camp Version of Pharrell Williams HAPPY!

Judy Winter Image. RicStar's Camp.

Simple advocacy request, folks! 

Just 90 more YouTube views and we will have met our immediate, short-term goal of 1,000 views of the Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp version of Pharrell Williams crazy popular song HAPPY! The video was filmed at RicStar's Camp 14th annual summer camp this past June.

Help us show the world what those with exceptionalities CAN do, while changing the faces of disability. A quick advocacy click will make us all HAPPY and just a little more aware. Please share, too! 

We've got this!!

Thanks in advance!!

Click here to watch the video.  

Great way to shake up Monday.



You can visit my professional Facebook page here. It's updated more often. You can purchase my book at amazon and other major booksellers. Follow me on Twitter.

Judy Winter Image 2014

Keeping up with Amy Purdy and Oprah--a Match Made in Media/Special Needs Advocacy Heaven

The beautiful, multi-talented and gutsy Amy Purdy has announced that she will be part of Oprah's "Life You Want" event this fall.

Leave it to Oprah to quickly scoop up another winning personality to share the spotlight with.

Leave it to Amy Purdy to make gold out of whatever she touches.

Kudos all around.

Focused on ability.

Keep up with Amy Purdy here.

You can visit my professional Facebook page here. It's updated more often. You can purchase my book at amazon and other major booksellers. Follow me on Twitter.

HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY, ADA!

Celebrating freedom and music at RicStar's Camp. Judy Winter Image.

Did you know that the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26th, 1990?

Here's a message from the President and additional information about this ground-breaking law so you can educate yourself further.

Yes, you should know.

As the President said, the work isn't yet finished.

Equal access. Equal opportunity. For all.

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RAISE YOUR ADVOCACY VOICES, PEOPLE, FOR RATIFICATION OF THE DISABILITY TREATY!

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), also known as the Disability Treaty, is designed to protect and ensure equal rights for those with exceptionalities throughout the world.

So far, 147 countries have ratified this important work. 

The United States has not yet done so.

Please, educate yourselves, put on your advocacy hats, raise your voices loudly, and call on the U.S. Senate to ratify this treaty before they take a break in August.

Here's a link from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation that tells you how to do just that.

Be part of important change. Don't just benefit from the bold actions of others.

This is something we can ALL do, and should.


You can visit my professional Facebook page here. It is updated more often.
You can purchase my book at amazon and other major booksellers.
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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!

Cinderella's Castle. Disney World Nov. 2013. Judy Winter Image. All rights reserved.

Happy 4th of July, everyone!!

Gotta love a country that's home to Mickey Mouse and Disney World!

Freedom rocks.

What does it mean to you and your family?