The Olympics & Disability Awareness- Coca Cola Gets it Right!

Unlike DreamWorks (see my last entry), the Coca-Cola Company gets the importance of including positive disability awareness and portrayal in its media/corporate efforts.  

Kudos to the industry giant for its outstanding 'Opening Ceremonies' commercial highlighting thirty Olympic athletes, including four Special Olympic athletes, with dignity and respect.  This historic commercial is airing several times in prime time during the 2008 Olympics before millions of people worldwide! 

Since 1968, Coca Cola has been a Special Olympics global partner. Talk about being a valuable agent for needed change.  "We are grateful to the Coca-Cola Company for their 40 years of support for the movement," says Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics.

Bravo!  I think I'll go have a Coke right now.

To view the commercial (which brought tears to my eyes!) on YouTube: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZVj_niY7R0 

or: www.specialolympics.org

This is how disability gains should be portrayed in the media in 2008. 

Are you paying attention in Hollywood?

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Why Doesn't DreamWorks Get it? -Protesting the Ben Stiller film Tropic Thunder

I'm adding my name/support to the growing list of disability rights advocates and groups, including my friends at Special Olympics and the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), in protest of the new Ben Stiller film TROPIC THUNDER because of its negative portrayal of those with intellectual disabilities and the repeated use of the offensive, outdated word 'retard.'  It isn't funny, Mr. Stiller.

While I can't be there in person for the protest at tonight's star-studded premier of the film in L..A., I will be there in spirit.  If you are in LA, consider attending in person.  If the dignity and portrayal of those with special needs matters to you, please at least add your voice by writing or calling DreamWorks, and by staying away from this movie.  

Words and outdated, negative portrayals of this population do hurt millions of people with intellectual disabilities and their families worldwide, and DreamWorks and Ben Stiller know it, especially since DreamWorks executives met with representatives of top disability rights groups to discuss key concerns about the film.  Yet DreamWorks refused to make important changes.

(Photo courtesy of Special Olympics/used with permission).

Here's the update I received from DSALA:

Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles "Tropic Thunder" Update
Disability Coalitions Unite
August 11, 2008

WHAT:
Several National Disability Organizations are joining together to protest the star-studded premiere of DreamWorks' "Tropic Thunder" to demonstrate against the film's use of the inflammatory word "retard" and the demeaning portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities throughout the movie. Organizations supporting the protest should mobilize their grassroots members to join us. Please wear a shirt/hat with the logo of your organization. 

WHY:
The use of the R-Word perpetuates the dehumanizing and negative stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities. "Tropic Thunder "is an enormously offensive and degrading film released by Dreamworks. The protest will focus on making all who were associated with the film and the general public better understand the hateful outcome this film is sure to create. The protest is our time to raise our voices and demand change.

WHEN:
Monday, August 11, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Gathering point will be in front of Stan's Donut Shop on the corner of Broxton and Weyburn Avenues in Westwood across from Mann Village Theatre (961 Broxton Ave). Plan on being at the protest from 4:00 - 7:30 pm. Note: There are several paid parking lots within the area.

-Additional Press:
Sunday's N.Y. Times on "Tropic Thunder"
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/movies/11thun.html
Advocates for disabled to protest "Tropic Thunder"
Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:24pm EDT
By Sue Zeidler
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN1029346220080811?sp=true

Statement of Support and Solidarity

-We, as organizations and self-advocates representing members of the disability community, recognize the dignity of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the challenges they and their families face in society.

-Acknowledge that individuals with intellectual disabilities have been subject to discrimination, abuse, and exclusion from society throughout history.

-Recognize that the more than 200 million individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide, and more than 6 million individuals with intellectual disabilities in the US, have suffered severe consequences including: institutionalization, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, denial of education, employment, and healthcare, segregation, and targeted hate crimes.

-Acknowledge that "attitudes and expectations of the public, in part, determine the degree to which children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities are able to learn, work and live alongside their peers without disabilities." (President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, 2004).

-Understand that for over four decades the media has consistently mischaracterized people with intellectual disabilities; (Pardun, 2005).

-Realize that over 80% of U.S. adults surveyed feel that media portrayals are an obstacle to the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. (Pardun, 2005).

-Recognize that many people, including those with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends, consider the "R-word" just as offensive as the "N-word and declare that under the guise of "parody," whether intentional or not, Tropic Thunder demeans, insults, and harms individuals with intellectual disabilities by using the "R- word." 

-Furthermore, it perpetuates derogatory images and stereotypes of individuals with intellectual disabilities, including mocking their physical appearance and speech, supports the continuation of inappropriate myths and misperceptions, and legitimizes painful discrimination, exclusion, and bullying.

Together, we declare our intention to make the public aware of the need to create and foster inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities as a matter of social justice by:

· Boycotting the film and explaining to our nation's children why the film is harmful.

· Educating the public, especially young people, about intellectual disabilities through far-reaching awareness campaigns to ban the "R-word," and other initiatives to permanently change attitudes and promote inclusion.

· Demanding that Hollywood studios, writers and executives pledge to make this the final chapter in a sullied history of demeaning portrayals of individuals with intellectual disabilities and assist in public education campaigns through dedicated studio funds and talent.

-Requesting that Congress investigate and conduct oversight of how Hollywood portrays individuals with intellectual disabilities and the effect these portrayals have on our nation and around the world.

Contact Info for Key Players:

DreamWorks
100 Universal City Plaza, Bldg. 5121, Universal City, CA 91608
818-733-7000

Paramount/Vantage
5555 Melrose Ave., Ball/Lasky Bldgs., Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-956-2000

Ben Stiller, Writer/Director/Producer
Read Hour Films, 629 N. La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-602-5000

For more info, visit: www.dsala.org, or call 818-242-7871
__________________

I want to add that the above stated commitment to the cause of those with ID is also critical to those living with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, emotional, intellectual and behavioral.  If you care about those with special needs, please let you voice be heard now. 

-And be sure to read the great column in today's Washington Post on the subject by Timothy Shriver (Special Olympics CEO) entitled What Tropic Thunder Thinks is Funny:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081001869.html

As Dr, Martin Luther King said, "What impacts one, impacts all."

If you want things to change, including in the media, be a change agent.

JudyWinter.com

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

NewsWorthy!-Not All Hearing Aids Created Equal

Can you hear me now?

Check out this informative article on hearing aids in the current MSU Today.

http://news.msu.edu/story/5621/

JudyWinter.com

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Clay Aiken Is a New Daddy!

The media is a buzzin with news that former American Idol finalist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Clay Aiken just became a new daddy to son Parker Foster Aiken (6 lbs. 2 ounces).

Clay is co founder of the Bubel-Aiken Foundation, which works to support inclusion for those with special needs worldwide (http://www.bubelaiken.org/). He planned to become a special education teacher before successfully auditioning for American Idol. The rest is history.

I was fortunate to interview Diane Bubel (co founder with Clay of BAF) for my book. She spoke highly of Clay and his impressive work with her son, Michael, who has autism. My guess is that the singer with a bachelors degree in special education from UNC-Charlotte will make a terrific dad. You can read the complete Bubel interview in my book, which you can order at amazon.com by clicking on the book cover to the left of this blog.

Congratulations, Clay!

I'm thinking that maybe all those baby blankets/toys you Claymates will now be sending Clay should instead go to charity in honor of Parker! Afterall, how many blankets and toys can one young man use? Just think of all the kids, including those with special needs, you can help keep warm and entertained with your enthusiastic efforts! You guys make things happen.

I caught the cute little guy pictured above enjoying his vacation on Mackinac Island! Clay Aiken has much to look forward to.

Little Buddhas rock!


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Two Paws Up!- National Park Service Launches Web Site for those with Special Needs

Granddoggies Zelda and Griff, give two paws up (okay, four!) to the National Park Service for its terrific new Web site addressing the needs of park visitors with special needs. The new site is entitled: National Parks: Accessible to Everyone. Check it out at www.nps.gov/pub_aff/access. It's not too late to enjoy some last-minute summer adventures, including for those with special needs. Zelda and Griff agree that everyone should be able to play in the great outdoors (Whoof! Whoof!), and so do I!

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Say it Isn't So PBS! -Help Save Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

"Anyone who does anything to help a child in this life is a hero to me."- Fred Rogers


This morning began lovely enough- cool, fall-like weather (a special treat after this summer's oppressive, relentless humidity), AC off, my office door open to backyard birds chirping energetically, and my fav hot peach tea in hand, an indulgence made possible by the delightfully cooler weather!


Oh yeh, and I just read a blurb about Sharon Osbourne banning Paris Hilton from the popular program 'America's Got Talent', because as Osborne says, "she has no talent." Can't disagree there, and please stay out of political campaigning, Paris!


I love that AGT show! It makes me alternately cry and stand up and cheer. Okay, sometimes I boo loudly or cringe and peek between my fingers, like when the guy swallowed the sword! Fortunately, his act was cut, no pun intended.

But it was while checking out the other daily headlines on AOL, that I read the real entertainment news:

PBS may axe daily airings of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood!!! (while we renew programs like Flavor Flav and Tila Tequila..).  

Say it isn't so!!  Is nothing sacred anymore?

In this day of increasingly bad reality TV, violent video games, overtly sexualized messages airing at all hours easily viewed by children of all ages in their homes, (don't give me that just-turn-the-channel garbage at 9 a.m. when innocent little kids are simply looking for Big Bird!!), I believe strongly that we need Fred Rogers' simple, wise voice, familiar red sweater and great example more than ever before- especially with Jerry Springer and the likes very much alive in daytime television.

We can, and must, do better by our children.

Save Mister Rogers!

To find out more about how you can add your voice to saving the gentle giant who has influenced the lives of many children, and adults, visit: http://www.savemisterrogers.com/

The world needs him, and so do our kids.

JudyWinter.com

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

MySpace.com/judy_winter

In the Know-More Cool Hollywood News!

Another update from my buddy Gail, who keeps us informed on cool special needs happenings in Hollywood!  

Thanks, Gail!

"I have been approached by Kym Johnson one of the professional dancers on "Dancing with the Stars.  She has just signed for the next season of the show and will be here in LA. during production.  While home in Australia, Kym teaches a dance class to children and adults with Down syndrome.  She would like to volunteer to do the same thing here for us during the run of the show. She has volunteers to assist her and to cover class when she is out of town with the show.  The plan is for the class to be open to all ages and be a "free dance" experience. 

If you're interested having your child/adult participate, e-mail me his/her name, age and the city you live in.  If you would you like to be on the committee that sponsors the program, we need a few parents to run the program with the support of the DSALA Office.  Thank you. 

Let's Dance!"

Gail Williamson
Executive Director
Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles
315 Arden Avenue, Suite 25, Glendale, CA 91203
818-242-7871 www.dsala.org

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

READ ON! What I'm Reading Now...

This summer, I'm consuming books as quickly as I devour yummy Hershey Kisses. I must be making up for all those great reading adventures I missed out on during my hectic, lean parenting years, and more recently, my big commitments to book travel & promotion.

When it comes to indulging in a good book, I'm now hungry like a wolf.

Here's my latest literary feast: The Olive Farm by Carol Drinkwater: A Memoir about Life, Love, and Olive Oil in the South of France. It's absolutely delicious!


Are you taking time to read to your kids (and to yourself!) this summer??

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

I'm a Big Fan of...! August 2008

Here's my August 2008 Gush:

I'M A BIG FAN OF...! --THE SMILE TRAIN! the terrific non-profit whose sole mission is correcting the cleft lip and palate challenges of kids all over the world. www.smiletrain.org

Their work represents an important, even life-saving effort because many kids with such needs in other countries are viewed as being cursed or worse, all because of correctable physical defects that have serious impact on speech and eating.

These kids are often ostracized and don't go to school.

No wonder so many top celebs see tremendous value in supporting this great cause, including: Walter Cronkite, Christie Brinkley, Tom Brokaw, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, and even the Donald.

According to smiletrain.org, since March 2000, the organization has served more than 330,000 kids in 75 of the world's most impoverished countries!! That's 90,000 surgeries a year!

That's a lot of great smiles, which is why I'm adding my financial support as soon as I finish this post.

How about you?

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

MySpace.com/judy_winter

Women Writing Up North-Poem #2

As promised a few blogs back, here's another poem from the Women Writing for a Change Up North Retreat I attended in July / Women Writing for (a) Change.

This one is from Anni Macht Gibson, our fearless retreat leader and author of the book Unfinished. I like to desribe Anni's terrific work as feature stories in poetry form, which appeals to my little-'ol-non-fiction-writing self.

Anni has singlehandedly helped me regain appreciation for the genre. No small feat! Her poetry always leave me wanting to know more. This one fits especially well with special needs advocacy.

Enjoy!

How to Change the World
by Anni Macht Gibson

First, do no harm.
See what others cannot.
Persist in the face of obstacles.
Be self-reliant – it’s up to you.
Influence others through your example.
Battle bureaucracies like a fire-breathing dragon.
Let your idea posses you.
Do it backwards, upside down and inside out.
Start small and learn, then spread out.
Be childlike in your desire to change the world.
Never take no for an answer!



JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Is Imitation Really Flattering?

It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

But is it really?

I'm often asked by writers hoping to get published, and other creative folks, just how they can protect their work and ideas once it's out in the marketplace, especially online. In short, they worry about others stealing their ideas, and are then understandably reluctant to share them.

I've had some concerns (justified) with my own work, which appears all over the place, making it especially hard to track pirating.

My answer to their complex question is simple: Copyright or not, it can be tough to protect your work completely. The challenge we each face is to become inspired while enjoying the work of others, then use that inspiration to fuel create our own unique work, not reproduce (or plagiarize) what we've seen. At the very least, people should credit the source.

Still, putting our heartfelt babies out there to share, inspire, inform, educate, make people laugh and love, and so much more is well worth the risk. Like many other creative beings, it's a risk I take every single time I share my words, photography and design, including on this blog. I challenge those who enjoy other's work to come up with new inspiration all their own, not reproduce the same creative vision, however revised.

Imitation may be flattering, but is can also prove a disservice to our own ideas and creativity, not to mention that it's unfair, even wrong (and even illegal) to take credit for someone else's ideas. It's also incredibly frustrating to the original artist. True creative talents don't need to resort to behavior that begs, borrows or steals the ideas of others.

The challenge all artists face is to dig deep to uncover their own creative voices before they risk sharing their work. Most good folks do honor and respect the work of others, and honor copyright. But in today's online world, we will probably never be completely risk free once our work is released into the universe.

Still, I vote to share that work rather than allow fears of imitation to silence creative voices that must be heard.

Now go express yours, in your own unique way.


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

DID YOU KNOW? -August 2008

More than 190 million people in the world have Intellectual Disabilities, formerly known as mental retardation? (Source: Special Olympics)

It's true!

Judy Winter
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Minute Vacations-August 2008

Judy's Minute Vacation for August 2008
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA


Aren't these cool?




JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Judy Winter's FAV Quote of the Month-August 2008

"Be careful what you ask for,
you might just get it."
-Anonymous




JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Have You Noticed? -Are Bikes the New 'Cars'?

As gas prices continue to shock, I'm seeing more and more of these on the road. Are you?

Good for the wallet, the environment and your health!

RIDE ON! -But please don't forget helmets (help prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBI)).


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Give Back! -Become an Angel Today!

There's no question that economic times are currently tough in this country. Many good folks are struggling just to make ends meet, fuel their cars, and put food on the table. Food banks in many communities are running on empty while demand grows bigger each day. People who never expected to stand in food lines or live on the street now are, including children counting on the adults in their lives to fill their empty tummies.

The line of circumstance that separates us all is thin, indeed. You don't have to look to a foreign land to fill a need. There's one waiting to be met right in your own backyard.

If ever there was a time for those of us who can help, to dig deep and share, this is it. Please consider giving to http://www.secondharvest.org/ or support your local food bank TODAY.

No one should go hungry in the land of plenty. Please, don't turn away. Become part of the hunger solution, starting right now. One person can make a difference.

Remember, good karma begets good karma...

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

WWFAC Up North Retreat- Part 3- Artist Date

As promised in my original Women Writing for a Change Up North (WWFAC) retreat posting two blogs ago, above are a few of the photos I took during my artist date (that's what writer Julia Cameron calls them!) at the Landscape Depot, a wonderful business in Petoskey, Michigan, whose terrific manager gave me permission to shoot to my creative soul's contentment! Thanks!!

Angels turned out to be big inspiration for me during the outing. The church and sunset photos are from a trip to downtown Petoskey.

Enjoy!


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

WWFAC Up North Retreat-Part 2-Elvis Prompt

As promised in my last blog entry, here's a sampling of the outstanding writing that occurred during last weekend's Women Writing for a Change Up North (WWFAC) retreat. At the beginning of the weekend, I gave each woman a welcome card with a writing prompt in it- an Elvis sticker! In short order, Christina Ryan turned the prompt into yet another incredible piece of work.

This woman's writing is simply amazing!

I'll share additional works from the retreat in the weeks ahead.

Enjoy!

ELVIS
By Christina Ryan
July 2008

Remember that pot hole on Henry Street, the one that always filled up with smelly water when the river ran high and we’d either have to step in it or break mamas back with a giant step over?

Petey liked to splash our tights all polka dotted and mama’s set to scrubbing them clean for Sunday?

Remember that day we walked home from St Mary’s and all the Daddy’s were holding their heads on the front stoop at Porter’s and then we found mama on her knees underneath the clothesline. The radio static barely drowning out her sobs, her face looked just like Petey’s when Old Man Tucker chased him with the Louisville after he busted out his window?

Aunt Carlene’s Pall Mall burned to the quick—hanging from her lip like a trucker. She forgot to put the car into park and it rolled straight through the bougainvillea and the engine revved and the cousins, all wild and red haired, smacked each other as we sat staring while she hugged mama and wiped away the tears from her cheeks.

We took Necco Wafers to the tree fort with our flash light and watched them listen over and over to “Love Me Tender” and cry…

In the morning, our tights hung from the clothesline to dry… but mama let the crickets sing us to sleep the rest of that summer.

####

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Permission Granted! -Women Writing for a Change Up North Retreat

(From top: Lovely flowers on retreat grounds, retreat location entrance, charming Shea!, the ceremonial lighting of the circle candle, retreat leader Anni with Sister Barbara, who each graciously made sure our needs were met while at the center, & presenting our terrific group of talented women writers!).

I’m currently in a state of major life transition, committed to broadening my experiences, knowledge, creativity, and feeding my spiritual self. While special needs will always hold a special place/priority in my professional and personal heart (and on this blog), I’m also now boldly venturing into brand new creative territory while further exploring some old loves (like photography) that got set aside during the years I raised my son and daughter and prioritized special needs—those years when I hardly had time to breathe.

Permission granted.

In that spirit of self care and exploration, I attended last weekend’s Women Writing for a Change Up North (WWFAC) retreat in Petoskey, Michigan, also known as God's Country. Along with five other talented women hungry for creative sustenance, I out ran daily demands, personal demons and exhaustion to gather in supportive community.

Using the sacred gift of words, we rediscovered ourselves.

Anni, Jodi, Christina, Bronwyn, Shea and I quickly built a nurturing community of expression, fueled by each other’s acceptance, love, heart and generous words about the value of our individual works. I’ve gathered with writers before; this was different. These women weren’t here looking for kudos or agents or ego gratification or to compete on some imagined writer’s stage. They came to reclaim the artist self so often lost or suffocated amid daily demands and life trauma. We needed time alone and time in supportive community and each bravely claimed that time.

We came for the quiet necessary to hear ourselves think, and embraced sitting still.

For two nights and two days, we shared simple lodging and meals seasoned with emotional stories of self esteem and weight issues, battles with addictions and health, and the unthinkable experiences of the death of loved ones, and rape. The work of these brave women was some of the finest I’ve been privileged to share. Each brought something different to the creative table.

Pieces of cloth and patterns that at first introduction seemed odd fitting, made a stunning human quilt when joined together. We dug deep, shared openly and used powerful imagery and turns of phrasing that took my breath away. I was stunned by the beauty, intelligence, insight and wisdom of the women’s words.

I even escaped briefly Saturday afternoon for a photographer’s outing that left me giddy, and with some great new photos, some of which I am sharing with you on this blog. Check out my next two blog entries for more photos from this inspiring outing and samples of the women's writing.

I left the retreat refreshed, energized, validated, and reminded of how much I love being a creative soul—and I got five terrific new writer friends to boot. Well worth the price of admission.

Time away is priceless and restorative. Try to claim it for yourself, no matter how brief the escape.

For more information about WWFAC, visit: http://www.womenwritingupnorth.com/

JudyWinter.com

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

MySpace.com/judy_winter

Granddoggies Go Swimming....

Sir Griff and Madame Zelda agree that the only place to be during the sultry, sweaty dog days of July is in the cool water! (or in AC!). Afterall, a dog can't just herd critters or fetch Frisbees all day long...

Don't you feel cooler just looking at them??

Me? I'm already dreamin of fall, and new boots...

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

MySpace.com/judy_winter

Catch It! -My 'Live! with Lisa Radio' Interview with Tim Shriver of Special Olympics

If you want to catch my interview on Live! with Lisa Radio at Yale with Tim Shriver, it's reairing as part of their best of shows on Friday, July 25th from 10 a.m. to noonWYBC-AM1340, http://www.wybc.com . (Top photo: me with super producer, Gabby Durk; Middle photo- me in studio, and on the left- me with Lisa Wexler, terrific show host and the Lisa in Live! With Lisa!).

You say you just can't wait? :) Then check out the link now and listen. It's a two-hour program with various guests. Tim Shriver comes in at about 10:20 or so and I come in after that for most of the rest of the time. Sorry I don't have the edited down version yet, but it's all worth listening to.

...and don't forget to watch for another season of the Real Housewives of NYC on Bravo! Lisa's sister, Jill Zarin, is one of the cool housewives. I admit that it's one of my guilty pleasures.

Enjoy!

http://livewithlisaradio.com/index.cfm?page=guest_det&id=131&firstname=Judy%20&lastname=Winter

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Check it Out! Michigan's Grand Hotel Makes Travel & Leisure Cover!

The July cover of Travel & Leisure magazine highlights "50 Fabulous U.S. Travel Ideas," and features the Grand Hotel from one of my fav places in the world, Mackinac Island.

The down side to their fab choice is that now even more people will know about this jewel of an escape to another time..... but that's good news for the struggling economy.

BTW: that's my photo of the Grand Hotel above.

You can check out this gem of an island at mackinacisland.org (pronounced MackinaW)

It's all grand...

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Take Note: A New Special Needs Casting Alert!

My friend Gail is looking to help cast a child with cerebral palsy, a wheelchair user. You must live in Southern California.

Here's her request. Good luck!

"I am assisting a casting director looking to cast a Caucasian girl age 7 to 13 who has Cerebral Palsy (with wheelchair) or has any other disability that causes her to use a wheelchair; also a Southern California local, with good enough verbal skills for a speaking role on this commercial spot.

For consideration, please forward photo, name, age and contact information to me (Gail Williamson) by Monday, July 21, 2008 at gail@dsala.org and put “casting cp” in the subject line.

Please forward and post this email where ever you feel there might be someone to fit this “breakdown.”

Thank you for all submissions and you will only be contacted if the casting director would like to schedule you for an audition.

If there is a child with any disability that does not fit this ‘breakdown” but would like opportunities to audition for other productions, go to the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles website www.dsala.org and click in the upper right on Heart & Halo Talent to register. If you fit this breakdown and would like future opportunities, besides just this one, you can also register at H&H Talent as well."

Gail WilliamsonExecutive DirectorDown Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, Inc.315 Arden Avenue, Suite 25 Glendale, CA 91203818-242-7871 voice818-242-7819 faxgail@dsala.orgwww.dsala.org

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY 2008!

Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan

We live in the greatest country in the world, where it's easy to take individual freedoms for granted. How will you honor your remarkable freedom and independence in 2008?

Whatever you choose, do it justice.

..but please be careful with all those noisy and unpredictable fireworks, especially around children and pets.


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Win a Free Trip to the 2008 Maui Writers Conference!

Want to attend the 2008 Maui Writers Conference on someone else's dime?

Check out www.mauiwriters.com for details.

It's a great event, no matter who pays for it! This year, the conference is going on the road to Honolulu.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Minute Vacations-July 2008

Judy's Minute Vacation for July 2008
Summer Sunset at the Magnificent Mackinac Bridge
Mackinaw City, Michigan

Aren't you awed by nature's amazing beauty and magic?


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

I'm a Big Fan of...! July 2008

Here's my July 2008 Gush:

I'M A BIG FAN OF...READING BOOKS!!

There's little I love as much as a great book with enough free moments to savor it from cover to cover.

Unfortunately, my current choice was so good that I finished in less than day! The Road Back to Yourself: The Second Journey by Joan Anderson is the latest in a series of her books about women facing transition, especially those in mid life and women coming of age.

Love this author, but she can't write fast enough to keep up with my demand for her insights!

Up next: I'm going to reread one of my Julia Cameron favs: Some Say that God is No Laughing Matter: An Artist's Observations and Objections on the Spiritual Path.

No matter how often I read this author, I always come away with inspiration, renewed energy and redirection.

Read On!


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

DID YOU KNOW? July 2008

DID YOU KNOW?

...that children with intellectual disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation), are bullied four times as often as other kids in school? That's inexcusable!

Talk with your child about bullying, and if it's a reality for them, take action to stop it now. If necessary, be your child's voice. All kids deserve a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

Source: A terrific new publication entitled: Picture This: Intellectual Disabilities produced by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc., www.eiconline.org, in partnership with Special Olympics, www.specialolympics.org.



JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Judy Winter's FAV Quote of the Month- July 2008

"An invasion of armies can be resisted.
But not an idea whose time has come."
-Victor Hugo

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter