Friday, November 06, 2009

Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs- Week One


Back by popular demand, and also to support new visitors to my blog who haven't seen these before, I am repeating my Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs  tips (with new photos) for the next seven weeks, beginning today. 

I hope these strategies help make your holidays just a bit brighter, whatever your seasonal traditions. 

When it comes to holiday magic and special needs, good communication and planning are key. 
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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-- Week One (JudyWinter.com 2009/ All rights reserved)

Address food allergies and noise/touch sensitivities and make allowances for them. The seasonal bounty this time of year can result in overload for many children, especially those with sensory, auditory and food issues. Kids with food allergies may not be able to eat all the traditional goodies most of us eagerly gobble up. Discuss alternative choices and inform family members about any life-threatening food allergies so they don’t offer the offending food to the child.

Photo by Judy Winter 09

Flickr

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Thursday, November 05, 2009

Stunned by the Shootings at Fort Hood


Having recently returned from speaking to the wonderful special needs families and their terrific support staff at Fort Bragg, NC, I am especially stunned and saddened by today's deadly shootings at Fort Hood, Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with all the military families who serve our country, while we go about our daily lives with such blessed freedoms.

I am much less naive about the tremendous  challenges facing military families than I was when I first drove on the base, and increasingly grateful for their sacrifices.

Photo of Josh and his dad during sibling panel presentation at Fort Bragg 09.  Used with permission.


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Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Powerful New York Times Essay and Perspective by Dad Joe Blair


'For the Boy Who Makes Waves' is a powerful essay that appeared in the Oct 9, 2009 issue of the New York Times.  No sugarcoating this story. Just one dad's raw parenting observations interwoven with solid commitment and deep love for his challenged son.  As long as the paper keeps running these pieces, I'll keep sharing them. 

This one is worth the read.

Photo of my son at age two with his devoted dad. Rarely easy. Always worth the effort.
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Monday, November 02, 2009

Celebrating Ability and Ricochet the Surfing Dog

This is a terrific story about the power of focusing on ability in light of facing significant physical challenges resulting from a car accident.  

Patrick Ivison was only 14 months old when those injuries left him paralyzed. Ricochet is a 19-month-old Golden Retriever first bred to become  a service dog.  What they've created together is magic.


All my dog friends give this story two paws up. It will make you smile, too.


Photo: Judy Winter 09

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Awesome Aussie Update


For those of you who've enjoyed my blogs on my awesome Aussie/Bernese/Border Collie, Jack, here's a brief update.

Jack recently completed step one in becoming a certified therapy dog (Canine Good Citizen Test). There are two more hurdles to jump before Jack and I can 'officially' begin working with kids with special needs. 

Truth be told, this amazing critter has been serving as a therapy dog since the day we first brought him home, making people everywhere we go smile, and allowing them to stop and enjoy a bit of loving canine therapy. 

He's helped heal my broken heart, too. Plus, Jack's been an outstanding ambassador for shelter dogs everywhere. Please, adopt from your local shelters! So many great animals are waiting for good homes. 

Best dog ever- and so photogenic, too!

Photos: Judy Winter 09
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Words of Wisdom from Maya Angelou -November 2009


Words of Wisdom-November 2009

"If you don't like something. Change it. If you can't change it. Change your attitude."
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Minute Vacations -November 2009


Minute Vacation-Nov. 09 -Serenity.

Savoring healing moments of silence in the beautiful Duke University Chapel. Durham, North Carolina.

Breathe out.

Photo: Judy Winter 09



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Love This! Ten Reasons to Hire Individuals with Developmental Disabilities



If you're a regular visitor to this site, you're aware that I've been missing in blog action for the past month, and my October analytics prove it, too!  
Reality is, I've had too many demands on my time recently involving speaking gigs/prep time and the resulting travel, including to Fort Bragg to present for their wonderful Exceptional Family Member Program.  I'm about to hit the road again for keynotes/book signings/media in Santa Barbara and LA (more about those later).

So, while I have a moment to breathe, here's my effort to get back on a blog track just a bit with this great link that includes Top Ten Reasons to hire individuals with Developmental Disabilities, from the We Include page of the website of the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver. Thanks, Maria and Arnold, for your support of this terrific population, and for the great info/page.  

This link/info is worth passing on.

Photo: Some of the great kigs from the terrific siblings panel I moderated as part of my presentation on meeting the needs of sibs at Fort Bragg.  These brothers/sisters rocked it and taught us all something of value. Photo used with permission.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Minute Vacations -October 2009

Fall equals the return of game-day escape for many fans across the country. 

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Words of Wisdom from Senator Edward Kennedy October 2009


Words of Wisdom-October 2009

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
-Senator Edward Kennedy

Photo by Judy Winter

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Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Back-to-school support for Families of Kids with Special Needs & Letter to Eric


In honor of all those special needs families facing the first day of the school year, I'm bringing out an oldie but goodie from the archives. Enjoy Letter to Eric. 

It's one of my favs.

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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Minute Vacations -September 2009


'Enchanting Orchids'
Eastern Market
Detroit, Michigan
Photo by Judy Winter 2009

There's beauty to be found in the Motor City, too.
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Words of Wisdom from Eunice Kennedy Shriver-September 2009




"As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us."
-Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Special Olympics

Photo by Judy Winter /RicStar's Camp 2009

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thank You, Ted Kennedy

Thank you, Ted Kennedy, for all your amazing accomplishments and for the stellar examples of leadership, advocacy, humility, compassion, and humanity.

You, too, will be greatly missed.

Photo Judy Winter 09

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Back-to-School Quick Tips for Kids with Special Needs-CAWLM Aug 09



The August 09 issue of Capital Area Women's Lifestyle Magazine is now out and includes a few of my back-to-school tips for kids with special needs.

Also, be sure to check out the issue's tribute to Cindy Edgerton, MSU music therapist extraordinaire and director of RicStar's Camp (pg 22), and come back next week for some simple advocacy school tips for parents of kids with special needs. 

The simplest actions often help create the most lasting changes for your child.
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Back to School QUICK TIPS for Kids with Special Needs: Judy Winter/ Augusut 2009/ All Rights Reserved.

We know we shouldn’t judge others based solely on outward appearances and physical beauty. But in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture, looks do matter—especially as kids try to claim a coveted place in those unnerving and rigid school social hierarchies. For students with special needs who are at greater risk for teasing and bullying, that’s a tough reality. The social challenges facing these students as they try to fit in with their typically developing peers makes the annual back-to-school preparation rite especially important.

Here are five simple back-to-school tips for parents to help their children with special needs get off to a great school-year start—allowing them to navigate the often unnerving school hallways with a tad bit more confidence.

• Get your child a good haircut in a current style.

• Go back-to-school shopping with your child and allow him/her to select a cool backpack, necessary school supplies, and clothing.

• Outfit your child with stylish, up-to-date clothing, including a sharp new first-day-of-school outfit. If your budget is strained, shop discount stores, sales racks, second-hand shops and garage sales in upscale neighborhoods. Make preparing for the school year FUN for everyone involved.

• Pay close attention to your child’s personal grooming every day—that includes clean hair, clean body and clean clothes. It does matter.

• To help reduce stress and alleviate those first-day jitters, visit your child’s school before the school year begins and allow him/her to meet the teacher, principal and bus driver. Talk about what to expect on the first day of school in advance, especially with younger children.

As with other families, the choices made by parents of kids with special needs are key to determining that child’s educational and life success. Celebrate your child’s abilities everyday—and have a great school year!

With enough hard work, it is possible.

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Faces of Ability-Suzanne Richard & Open Circle Theater (OCT)


Check out an inspiring feature about Suzanne Richard, artistic director of Open Circle Theater (OCT), "Washington D.C.'s first professional theater dedicated to producing professional productions that integrate the considerable talents of artists with disabilities."

Richard has osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder also known as brittle bone disease, in which a person's bones break easily, leading to other health and physical challenges. According to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OI), the disorder affects 1 in 40,000 births.

Today, Suzanne Richard, a former employee of the National Endowment for the Arts, encourages other working actors with special needs to pursue their acting dreams. In the CNN piece, Richard also addresses the on-going challenges and frustration faced by many working individuals with disabilities due to income caps and social security.

Read the article Actress Wont Let Disability Dim Her Stars, here.

I sure needed to read this kind of piece today.

Photo Judy Winter 

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Tribute -The Lessons of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Live On














































A public wake is being held today on Cape Cod for Eunice Kennedy Shriver, with  her funeral scheduled for tomorrow. I will be present at both events in heart and spirit. You can watch both here.

The passing of this remarkable woman has impacted me deeply and caused me to reflect on my own work on behalf of those with special needs. One of the career highlights for which I am most grateful these past two decades is having interviewed Tim Shriver, CEO of Special Olympics, for my book. The interview includes his take on what it was like to be raised by this remarkable woman. 

As a child, Tim experienced firsthand the beginnings of Special Olympics and his mother's passionate commitment to athletic opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities. He took part in inclusive activities with these young athletes in his own backyard, and came away with powerful, lasting lessons. Tim Shriver's amazing parents taught their children by example, benefiting millions. 

We have much to learn from those lessons. 

If each one of us gave just a fraction of the time, talent and financial support the Shriver family has given to improve the lives of others worldwide, this world would be a much better place, and our children would be better off, too.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver's life and example make me want to be even better at what I do, and become a more compassionate human being.

How about you?

Photos courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The World Loses a Giant in the Passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver


I am terribly saddened to hear of the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. My heart goes out to this family that has lost an amazing and much-adored mother, sister, spouse, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend. Those of us who advocate on behalf of the special needs community have lost yet another remarkable leader, who was and will remain, an inspiration and example. Her work will continue.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was also the ultimate special needs sib. Her ground-breaking and passionate work was fueled by her love for and dedication to her sister Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability.

How will you help keep Ms. Shriver's legacy and compassion alive? Much work remains.

Read the Shriver family statement here.

Photo Judy Winter
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Monday, August 10, 2009

My Photo Included in August Breathing Space on Oprah.com!

I'm thrilled to share the news that one of my favorite flower shots (at left) is included in the August Breathing Space on Oprah.com. Click here to view my shot with the written copy I submitted.

What a great start to the week!

Thanks, Oprah.com!

Cemetery Flower by Judy Winter 09
All rights reserved.
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Kudos to Gail Williamson-National Down Syndrome Congress Award Recipient

Huge congrats to my West Coast buddy, Gail Williamson, who recently received the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) President's Award at the 2009 event held in Sacramento, CA. 

Gail, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), which includes the terrific Heart & Halo Talent Division, was honored for her on-going work on behalf of those with Down syndrome. Her impressive contributions include working to ensure greater awareness, understanding and employment of actors with DS in the film and television industry. Gail's son, Blair, is a successful working L.A. actor and has been featured on my blog in other posts. 

In case you want to get your Mickey groove on, Gail shares that next's year's conference will be held in Orlando, Florida.

Congratulations, Gail, on this well-deserved honor!

Photo courtesy of Gail & Blair Williamson. Used with permission.
 
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Check This Out! -New York Times/TBI & Delusions


Sunday's New York Times ran a fascinating article about delusions experienced by those with head trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  Check out the piece entitled When Loved Ones Seem Imposters: After Injury, Fighting to Recall a Sense of Family and Self by Benedict Carey here.

When it comes to special needs, TBI is a great equalizer. 

Photo by Judy Winter 09

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Friday, August 07, 2009

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Hospitalized in Critical Condition




My thoughts and prayers are with this amazing woman and her incredible family as Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, is hospitalized in critical condition.  The world is a much better place because of her life, her work and her on-going presence and important influence.

Please be well. You're such an inspiration to so many, including me.

Photo of Eunice Kennedy Shriver courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

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33 Years Wedded & Challenged Bliss & Still Ticking





My husband and I got hitched thirty-three years ago today! We've made it through some incredible life challenges, including special needs parenting and the loss of our much-loved son, and we've experienced tremendous joys as well.  

Our relationship and commitment to our marriage remains strong. With today's dismal divorce statistics, I'm incredibly proud of what we've built and the choices that we have made as a couple. 

Photo at left is of us on our Nassau honeymoon- seems like yesterday!  I have no idea who took it!

Happy anniversary to us!

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Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Faces of Ability-August 2009-Conductive Education

















Last Friday, I had the tremendous pleasure of attending the final-day performance for the summer session of conductive education at the Conductive Learning Center (CLC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  This is a wonderful program/center that my son took part in up until his death in 2003. 

Conductive Education is an intensive program based in Budapest, Hungary, one designed to address motor challenges in children and young adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida. The goal is to help these children reach maximum independence.  

CLC program director, Andrea Benyovszky, is simply one of the finest professionals and human beings that I have ever met. Her passion for her work, her amazing skills and knowledge, and her solid commitment to championing the abilities of each one of her charges, continually inspire me. 

I am proud and honored to call Andrea Benyovszky my friend.  

Here are a just few of the many beautiful faces of ability from that day's performance. To learn more about Conductive Education and the CLC programs. click here.

Lives are changed there.

Photos by Judy Winter 2009/Used with permission of Andrea Benyovszky/Conductive Learning Center/Grand Rapids, Michigan. All rights reserved.

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Sunday, August 02, 2009

Words of Wisdom from Marilyn French-August 2009



Words of Wisdom-August 2009

"To nourish children and raise them against odds is in any time, any place, more valuable than to fix bolts in cars or design nuclear weapons."
-Marilyn French

Photo 'Determination' Judy Winter 09


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Minute Vacation -August 2009


Windsurfing on Lake Michigan
Sturgeon Bay
July 09

That takes upper body strength!

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Aussie Jack Meets Bernese Cousin


On Friday, my Aussie Shepherd/Bernese/Border Collie Jack came face to face with his cousin, the Bernese Mountain Dog, all 110 pounds of her! That sweetie girl is now on a diet. Her goal? 80 pounds, at which point she'll still weigh almost twice as much as Jack.

It was great to identify the traits of this marvelous breed in our Jack while next to the real thing.

Photo Judy Winter 09

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