Nothing bleeds like a wounded Green heart. But what a year! What a coach! What a team! What a leader in Draymond Green! Thanks for the great ride, Spartans! Next year.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Good Words -7 Things You Don't Know About a Special Needs Parent
Maria Lin's 3-year-old son, Jacob, has a rare disorder of the 18th Chromosome, which has resulted in numerous medical and developmental challenges for her son and for Maria. She's penned a piece that will strike a cord with many other parents struggling with their own special needs issues, an honest soul searching that describes well the early challenges of coming to terms with special needs parenting.
Lin's thoughtful piece about what life is like for her in her challenging new role is familiar to me. Over the past two decades, I've written about my own such struggles and joys many times; they were the basis for my book. As I digested Lin's emotional words, I felt an immediate kinship and unique understanding of where she's coming from, and where's she headed. I felt her exhaustion, her humanness, her pride in and unconditional love for this child she didn't expect. I recognized her dicey journey, one that at times challenges the limits of human endurance, while it tugs hard at heartstrings and redefines perfection.
Sharing such words not only helps other parents relate and deal with their own uncertain special needs journeys, but it helps create important awareness about these families and their struggles and joys with the general population.
That, is a good thing.
Thanks for sharing, Maria. You are not alone.
Courtesy photo.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Media Alert -NY Times and MSU Coach Tom Izzo
Nice piece on Michigan State University Head Basketball Coach, Tom Izzo, in today's NY Times. He's not called him Mr. March for nothing.
Go GREEN!!!
Read it here.
Love my Spartans, and yes, I got my degree there.
Judy Winter Photography
Kudos to Ty Pennington and ABC's The Revolution/ADD
Kudos to Ty Pennington and ABC's The Revolution for today's in-depth coverage of adult Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Pennington has become an effective and vocal advocate for creating greater awareness and understanding of the two disorders by honestly addressing his own struggles with ADHD whenever he gets the chance. The popular host joined the new one-hour talk show this year.
Judy Winter Photography
In looking at ABC's website, it appears The Revolution's segments may air the day after they first run. But here's the link so you can check back later today or tomorrow to view what went down today. Good info. Worth the wait.
Kudos Ty Pennington. Lives worth living. Focused on ability.
Check it out here.
Judy Winter Photography
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
World Down Syndrome Day Message from Chris Burke
Possibly the most celebrated actor with Down syndrome, ever. Long before there was talk about using actors with special needs in regular acting jobs, Chris Burke was breaking ground as Corky on the popular series 'Life Goes On.' He's now a consultant for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
Photo courtesy of DSALA.
Lauren Potter Shares A World Down Syndrome Day Greeting
A World Down Syndrome Day Greeting from Lauren Potter.
Judy Winter
Watch it here.
Courtesy photo. Used with permission.
Judy Winter
Best Buddies International
"Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization... that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."
Find out how you can get involved in this terrific organization and mission here.
True inclusion happens peer to peer.
Judy Winter's Words in Articles, Columns and Books
Some of you have asked about my career as a writer, especially as it impacts special needs. Over the past twenty years, I've written dozens of newspaper and magazine articles on special needs parenting issues, including as a past contributing newspaper columnist to the Lansing State Journal. That column highlighted my own journey raising my son, Eric, who had cerebral palsy and passed away far too soon in 2003 at age twelve. I was doing this work long before there was the Internet to help families research and connect. It was the parenting dark ages. If you read this blog, you know that I've also authored my own book, Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations, and my words are included in three others:
-Enabled in Words: The Real Lives, Real Victories of People with Disabilities.
I will continue to share links to some of my past, timeless work with you on this blog.
I'm proud to say that I continue to be a strong voice for the special needs cause, and I'm not done yet. In the future, I'll continue to do my best to share, and make your challenging lives easier and more productive.
A passionate advocate's work is never done. Speak loudly, and with respect.
Judy Winter Photography
March is a Busy Month of Recognition
I've been so busy that I've neglected to post all the reasons March is extra special, besides the unusually warm weather in the Midwest. So here we go:
In addition to World Down Syndrome Day, the March calendar honors many things, including:
I also like the on-going blog on The Arc's website. Check that out here.
Click on the above links and catch up before April arrives. If I forget any key celebrations, please post a comment, and don't forget to wear helmets during spring activities like biking.
Better late than never.
Image courtesy of The Arc.
Feel Good Story -Girl’s best friend is dog who carries her oxygen
The world is overflowing with dire news. That's why I love sharing stories that touch people's hearts. This is one of those. It honors a little girl with a disability and her special bond with man/woman/child's best friend, two things I love to support whenever possible. Read about Alida and her buddy/service dog, Mr. Gibbs, at link below.
Jack (and I) give the tale/tail four paws up.
Judy Winter Photography
Obama Signs Back to Student Who is Deaf
When a 26-year-old Prince George Community College student named Stephon, used American Sign Language (ASL) to greet the President of the United States when Obama visited Washington, he wasn't expecting him to sign back. But that's exactly what Barack Obama did, creating a captivating and humanizing moment that put decisiveness and politics aside. Refreshing.
"I am proud of you," the student signed.
Thank you," signed back the President.
A President of the people- ALL the people. And one determined, gutsy young man focused on ability.
Read/watch it unfold here.
Happy Birthday, Bach!!
Happy Birthday, Johann Sebastian Bach!
Considered by many to be the greatest composer of all time, Bach went blind at age sixty four, but he continued to compose beautiful works.
Read more about Bach here.
Life worth living. Focused on ability.
Judy Winter Photography.
Random Thoughts -First Day of Spring 2012
Michigan and Mother Nature have gifted us with an unusually warm winter and a warmer than normal spring. We celebrated that first day of spring last night on our deck with our grown up kids, three excited dogs, and no technology in sight. Windows were opened to capture a rare mid-March summer breeze, leftover white holiday lights contributed to the celebratory mood. Sat down to grilled blackened tilapia, marinated tender asparagus and a delicious tossed salad, light on the lettuce please, followed by my creative dessert concoction of fresh pineapple, strawberries, Greek yogurt and angel food cake topped with leftover Thin Mints (how'd we miss those???). Washed dishes the old-fashioned way while breathing in the remaining, intoxicating joy and energy, laughter and love left behind as our daughter, son in law and cherished granddoggies returned to their full, productive twenty-something lives in the big city.
Life doesn't get any richer than that.
Celebrate your best life/family moments whenever you have them. They'll help you face the tougher days.
Judy Winter Photography 2012
Reminder: Down Syndrome in Arts & Media Has Launched
Continuing with today's Down-syndrome theme, a reminder that my friend, Gail Williamson, special needs talent coach/contact extraordinaire, has launched her new venture Down Syndrome in Arts & Media (DSiAM), an online resource that connects actors with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities with real acting gigs.
Check it out here.
I love Gail and Blair.
Lauren Potter Talks about Her New Web Series Leader of the Pack
UPDATE: Here's the link to the first episode.In honor of World Down Syndrome Day (see prior post), here's an update regarding a previous post about Richard Relin's new web series Leader of the Pack, originally slated to launch in February. Designed to create greater awareness of actors with special needs, the series features popular actress/activist Lauren Potter of GLEE fame. My post today includes a link to a recent video of Lauren Potter commenting on her new role. The Leader of the Pack series launches online today, coinciding with other World Down Syndrome Day efforts.
Watch Lauren's comments here.
Courtesy photo. Used with permission.
Read my original post about this series and access additional links here.
Live worth living. Focused on ability.
Courtesy photo. Used with permission.
World Down Syndrome Day 2012
Along with many others, I'm today recognizing World Down Syndrome Day. This important yearly event, which takes place on March 21st each year, is honoring its seventh anniversary. According to the World Down Syndrome Day website, the date (21/3) represents the 3 copies of chromosome 21, unique to people with Down syndrome.
According to the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), the key mission of World Down Syndrome Day is to promote awareness and understanding, seek international support, and achieve dignity, equal rights and a better life for people with Down syndrome everywhere.
Find out more about World Down Syndrome Day international efforts here.
Focused on ability.
Image courtesy of DSALA.
Judy Winter
Friday, March 09, 2012
Heads up! RicStar's Camp 2012 is Almost Full
Heads up! RicStar's Camp is filling up faster than ever before. It's almost full already. So if you want to be part of the music magic, don't delay!
New addition this year, a shorter-day group for the youngest campers (under age 5?) unable to handle a full day. You must submit a registration form and payment to hold a camp spot. Scholarships are available.
We're all about making camp the best it can be for all. That, and celebrating individual abilities.
Find out more, here.
Photo Jenna Winter
Special Needs Media Alert! -Gail Williamson Interview on LA Talk Radio
Here's the hour-long interview with Gail Williamson on LA Talk Radio about employing actors with Down syndrome, in part, in response to the recent cover story about actors with Down syndrome that appeared recently in Entertainment Weekly (read it here).
My friend, Gail, is the founder of Down Syndrome in Art and Media (DSiAM), and for years has been the industry go-to liaison in L.A. for making such successful connections and working gigs happen. Through DSiAM, Gail continues to help actors with developmental disabilities find work in the industry.
Hmmmmm.... that would make a good reality show.
Listen here. Note: there is a delay before the audio begins. Be patient.
Photo of Gail Williamson with her son, Blair, a successful working actor. Used with permission.
Judy Winter
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Kudos to the The Miracle League of Mid Michigan- Play Ball!!
Love! Love! Love! I've waited a long time to see this video by the Miracle League of Mid Michigan, the realization of a terrific effort in my own backyard. My heart is singing.
I remember when all I wanted was for my son to be able to access the swing in our neighborhood park. I even penned a newspaper column on the subject, highlighting one mom's effort to make an accessible playground happen, one of my many special needs articles reprinted at Eduguide. Read it here.
Eric would have loved this news, and so do I.
Courtesy image.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
I Heart Someone with Cerebral Palsy
An Especially Valuable Take on the R-Word- The Voices of Sibs- My Heroes
Guest Post on Maria Shriver's Blog - It All Begins with Us by Susan Senator
Read the guest post on Maria Shriver's blog about use of the R word by Susan Senator, author of Making Peace with Autism: One Family's Story of Struggle, Discovery, and Unexpected Gifts, here.
Image courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.
CNN & Ending the R-word. Ban it or Understand It?
Good CNN piece today by Emanuella Grinberg about efforts to eliminate the word retarded from our language. The piece includes an interview with mom/blogger Ellen Seidman of Love that Max (see last post).
Today has become a huge day for intelligent conversation, and that represents big progress for the disability community.
Read Ending ther R-word. Ban it or Understand it? here.
Image courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.
Love the Love That Max Video Would You Call My Child a Retard?
Love that Max is a terrific website about one mom's spirited take on raising Max, an adorable child who has cerebral palsy. Max's mom produced a powerful video that expresses beautifully why so many of about want to stop casual use of the r-word. It's not about censorship. It's about respect for all. Please take a moment to watch the video and then consider joining me in signing the pledge.
Would You Call My Child a Retard? is well worth your time and reflection. I'm not sure anyone, including me, has voiced the reason for our call to action more perfectly.
Courtesy image.
Brought tears to my eyes.
Today is Spread the Word to End the Word Day
Lots of conversation has been generated because of today's official Spread the Word to End the Word Day, an effort spearheaded by Special Olympics to make us all think before using the word retard in everyday language. Because I believe strongly in this effort to make the new r-word Respect, today's posts are all about that effort, beginning with the familiar banner and a call to join us.
Please join me and sign the pledge.
Respect is a much better word.
Here's my post briefly stating why I support this effort.
Watch Circle of Friends video 'Disable the Label' here.
Courtesy image. Used with permission.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Lives Worth Living-Christine Rouse
Christine F. Rouse was recently featured on Kathy Lee & Hoda for the segment Everyone Has a Story for her work on behalf of those with special needs.
Rouse is executive director of Acting Without Boundaries (AWB,) a year-round theater experience for those with physical disabilities. She is also executive director of Kids Are Kids, a disability awareness educational workshop she created at age 16 in response to the daily teasing she endured because of her differences. 'What makes us different, makes us beautiful,' is the Kids Are Kids mantra.
Rouse, who today has a B.A. in elementary education, has cerebral palsy.
Find out more about Christine and her terrific work here.
Lives Worth Living. Focused on Ability.
Courtesy photo.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Life Balance -Congratulations to Coach Izzo & My MSU Spartans!!
Congratulations to Coach Tom Izzo and the Michigan State University ((MSU) Spartan basketball team for hanging yet another Big Ten championship banner at the Breslin Center in East Lansing yesterday afternoon. Special kudos to Tom Izzo and Draymond Green for being named Big Ten Coach of the Year (Izzo) and Big Ten Player of the Year (Green).
Can't work all the time. Life balance.
What Tom Izzo has accomplished at MSU is simply amazing. Proud to be a Spartan.
Now, bring on March Madness, and the Detroit Tigers, too.
Judy Winter Photography
Monday Morning Jump Start-Joel Osteen
Food for Monday morning thought:
"If you are the smartest one in your group, your group is too small." -Joel Osteen.
Love.
Photo Judy Winter
Special Olympics-Spread the Word to End the Word 2012
Friday, March 02, 2012
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!!
My son, Eric, loved it when I read Dr. Seuss books at bedtime and screwed up the words with my own crazy, mixed-up versions. Got to the point where my boy wouldn't tolerate me reading any of them as written. 'I do not like green eggs and spam; I don't like 'em and neither does Sam.'
I still treasure the memories of all those loud giggles.
No disrespect intended to the literary master.
No disrespect intended to the literary master.
Happy Birthday Dr. S!
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Special Needs Kudos -The NBA and Special Olympics Play Together
Look at the cool inclusive event between Special Olympics athletes and members of the NBA.
Big progress, and fun.
Watch it here.
Big progress, and fun.
Watch it here.
Judy Winter Photography/NCAA Finals Detroit
Thanks, RicStar!
Preparing for another big year of changing lives at RicStar's Camp, all because of my amazing, sweet boy.
Thanks, buddy! xoxoxoxo
Your sweet music lives on.
Judy Winter Photography
Hear Yea!! -RicStar's Camp Registration 2012 Now Open to ALL!
Registration for the 10th annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp (aka RicStar's Camp) at Michigan State University, for individuals of all ages and disabilities and their siblings, is now open to all interested campers. Camp fills quickly and the long waiting list rarely moves. Scholarships are available, as is lodging for a fee. So don't delay.
You must submit the application form and your check to hold a place. Find that and more here.
Photo Judy Winter Photography
A decade of celebrating abilities!
Photo Judy Winter Photography
Words of Wisdom from Rev. Ed Bacon- March 2012
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