Thursday's Tip:
Don't ignore kids with special needs at family gatherings. Work hard to include them and teach other family members to do the same.
If that requires training, teach them.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Challenging the Ladies of The Talk to Talk about Yesterdays' R-Word Controversy;
Here's what I posted at The Talk's Facebook page. You can add your voice, too. Please, speak up.
________________________________
As an author/speaker/activist on special needs issues, I was hoping you chatty ladies of 'The Talk' would address yesterday's R-word/Felicity Huffman controversy and your own lack of response to it after it happened on air. Unfortunately, you chose not to do so and instead spent time high fiving yourselves over your Emmy nominations (congrats, by the way).
But I, and many others who care deeply about and advocate for the special needs population, are more than a little disappointed at your avoidance of the subject, especially since you do such a great job addressing other important human rights issues/topics. This topic is no less important.
We've come a long way regarding awareness and coverage of disability rights, but we've a long way to go as supported by your silence. Perhaps you'll revisit this R-word discussion//controversy in one of your upcoming programs. One can hope.
You have the voices to do so and it's a discussion worthy of your talk time.
So please, ladies, get talkin.
Here, once again, is a prior piece I wrote about why I find R-word use so offensive and hurtful and why I, like millions of others, advocate for not using the terminology. Only the names of the offenders have changed.
Here's what I posted at The Talk's Facebook page. You can add your voice, too. Please, speak up.
________________________________
As an author/speaker/activist on special needs issues, I was hoping you chatty ladies of 'The Talk' would address yesterday's R-word/Felicity Huffman controversy and your own lack of response to it after it happened on air. Unfortunately, you chose not to do so and instead spent time high fiving yourselves over your Emmy nominations (congrats, by the way).
But I, and many others who care deeply about and advocate for the special needs population, are more than a little disappointed at your avoidance of the subject, especially since you do such a great job addressing other important human rights issues/topics. This topic is no less important.
We've come a long way regarding awareness and coverage of disability rights, but we've a long way to go as supported by your silence. Perhaps you'll revisit this R-word discussion//controversy in one of your upcoming programs. One can hope.
You have the voices to do so and it's a discussion worthy of your talk time.
So please, ladies, get talkin.
Here, once again, is a prior piece I wrote about why I find R-word use so offensive and hurtful and why I, like millions of others, advocate for not using the terminology. Only the names of the offenders have changed.
A.D.H.D. or Sleep Deprivation?
What if your child (or an adult) doesn't really have A.D.H.D., but rather, a sleep disorder?
Fascinating read from Sunday's New York Times, and much food for parenting thought.
Get those kids to bed early, and yourself, too.
What if your child (or an adult) doesn't really have A.D.H.D., but rather, a sleep disorder?
Fascinating read from Sunday's New York Times, and much food for parenting thought.
Get those kids to bed early, and yourself, too.
Wednesday's Word of Wisdom: Felicity Huffman re: her use of the word retarded on The Talk yesterday.
"So sorry about the R word. It's all I can think about; wish I could rewind and not use such an offensive term......I deeply apologize for my thoughtlessness and I ask for your forgiveness.....I have people who are very close to me that are mentally challenged and I believe in acceptance, love and inclusiveness.
I messed up."
I'm pretty sure she heard from Eva Longoria, who has a sister with intellectual disabilities.
And this one, from Maya Angelou. "When you know better, you do better."
Forgiven.
"So sorry about the R word. It's all I can think about; wish I could rewind and not use such an offensive term......I deeply apologize for my thoughtlessness and I ask for your forgiveness.....I have people who are very close to me that are mentally challenged and I believe in acceptance, love and inclusiveness.
I messed up."
I'm pretty sure she heard from Eva Longoria, who has a sister with intellectual disabilities.
And this one, from Maya Angelou. "When you know better, you do better."
Forgiven.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
FELICITY HUFFMAN USES THE R-WORD ON THE TALK
MINI RANT: YES, I WAS WATCHING THE TALK TODAY WHEN FELICITY HUFFMAN, WHOM I LOVE, USED THE WORD 'RETARDED' TO DESCRIBE HER OWN CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY ASKED IF MADONNA WAS AS POPULAR AS LADY GAGA. OOPS.
NERVOUS SILENCE.
THE SHOW HOSTS, WHO SPEND A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF MANY GROUPS, TOTALLY IGNORED THE REMARK, SO THEY SHARE SOME SHAME/BLAME HERE, TOO. THAT SAID, HUFFMAN IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO TWITTERLAND TO ADMIT SHE SCREWED UP AND SHE APOLOGIZED, WHICH IS MORE THAN OTHER CELEBS HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.
I FORGIVE HER. DO YOU?
READ HER WORDS OF REGRET, HERE.
MAYBE THE TALK CAN TALK ABOUT THIS FURTHER ON TOMORROW'S SHOW.
MINI RANT: YES, I WAS WATCHING THE TALK TODAY WHEN FELICITY HUFFMAN, WHOM I LOVE, USED THE WORD 'RETARDED' TO DESCRIBE HER OWN CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY ASKED IF MADONNA WAS AS POPULAR AS LADY GAGA. OOPS.
NERVOUS SILENCE.
THE SHOW HOSTS, WHO SPEND A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF MANY GROUPS, TOTALLY IGNORED THE REMARK, SO THEY SHARE SOME SHAME/BLAME HERE, TOO. THAT SAID, HUFFMAN IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO TWITTERLAND TO ADMIT SHE SCREWED UP AND SHE APOLOGIZED, WHICH IS MORE THAN OTHER CELEBS HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.
I FORGIVE HER. DO YOU?
READ HER WORDS OF REGRET, HERE.
MAYBE THE TALK CAN TALK ABOUT THIS FURTHER ON TOMORROW'S SHOW.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Lots of new special needs posts on my special needs Facebook page. Check them out!
More posted here, soon.
More posted here, soon.
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Friday, April 05, 2013
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| Find my book here. |
Find Me Online:
Reminder: While I am posting here regularly, most of my special needs daily posts now appear on my professional Facebook page. Here are the links to my current social networking sites.
Facebook- Special Needs Parenting Posts
Pinterest- Special Needs Parenting Board-Fav Resources
Twitter-Judy Winter
Tumblr-Winter Visions: pretty things. pretty words. pretty images. General interest blog.
Read Aloud for 15 minutes!!
I like. I share. I like this resource because I love reading. I believe strongly in the value of reading daily to your child, including to those with exceptionalities. I did it with my son and it became one of our most precious times of the day. I know it impacted his learning in positive ways, especially when I intentionally messed up the words to Dr. Seuss books.
I can still hear the laughter.
Please, read to your children!! 15 minutes. That's all. If you need to start out small because of attention issues, etc., do so and then build on that success. You and your child have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
If you are struggling with your own literacy issues, making this effort difficult or impossible, seek support. Start with your local library. It's okay to ask for the help you need.
It will change your child's life and yours, too.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Monday, April 01, 2013
Tomorrow, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day.April is Autism Awareness Month.
Find out more, here.
Light It Up Blue.
Image courtesy of Autism Speaks.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Dwarfism and OZ the Great and Powerful
Kristin Riley plays a Munchkin in the new blockbuster Oz the Great and Powerful. The 31-one-year old Michigander has a rare condition called primordial dwarfism. Riley is 3 foot five inches tall.
Read more here.
Focused on Ability.
Kristin Riley plays a Munchkin in the new blockbuster Oz the Great and Powerful. The 31-one-year old Michigander has a rare condition called primordial dwarfism. Riley is 3 foot five inches tall.
Read more here.
Focused on Ability.
Good Friday Blessing
Perfect weekend for me to proclaim that without faith, I would never have survived the brutal hits life has served up and I certainly wouldn't be passionate about serving others. My footing is less steady and sure than it once was, but I'm much less naive and less selfish and much more forgiving and quieter, humbling in itself. I believe what I cannot prove and that has made all the difference.
Good Friday blessing.
Where do you draw your strength?
Judy Winter Photography 2013. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Recap of 2013 End-the-Word Campaign: Celebrity Twitter Support:
For me, this is an especially powerful view. I've worked so hard for so long to see this kind of media/celebrity focus/support placed on important human rights awareness for the special needs population and for my son, including the growing push to end use of the word retarded.
The big-name support voiced on this video represents huge progress. My hope is you'll add your vote for RESPECT, too.
Make no mistake. Words do hurt, especially the r-word.
Monday, March 25, 2013
A Tale of True Friendship. Michigan State University Basketball Star, Adreian Payne, and One of His Biggest, Little Fans, Lacey Holsworth.
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| Little Spartan Fan. Judy Winter Image 2013. |
Here's a side of sports I like and a March Madness story worth your time. It's a moving friendship born of mutual life adversity. Lacey Holsworth had neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. Michigan State University Basketball star athelete, Adreian Payne, has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and has worked hard to overcome the naysayers.
As an MSU alum, I couldn't be prouder. I hope both, stay strong.
Watch Lacey's story, here.
Read more about Adreian Payne, here.
Whose life will you impact this week?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Pooch of the People Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
Jack is rockin his socks for today's World Down Syndrome Day! Then, we're off to school to read to the kids for March is Reading Month. Plus, it's also Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. March is a busy time for this advocate and the Pooch of the People. But we're up for the challenge, right Jack?
Who are you advocating for today?
Judy Winter Image. All rights reserved.
Jack is rockin his socks for today's World Down Syndrome Day! Then, we're off to school to read to the kids for March is Reading Month. Plus, it's also Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. March is a busy time for this advocate and the Pooch of the People. But we're up for the challenge, right Jack?
Who are you advocating for today?
Judy Winter Image. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 21st! In honor of today's World Down Syndrome Day. Rock those socks!
Image courtesy of World Down Syndrome Day.
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
Got socks?
Judy Winter Photography. All rights reserved.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
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| Judy Winter Photography. All rights reserved. |
Is Gaga 24-K Golden??
To-Get-You-Talking Thursday:
First, let me say I like Lady Gaga. I think's she incredibly talented and does a lot of good speaking up for many who otherwise feel they have no voice or can't get it heard. She's not afraid to makes waves and gets people talking. She fights bullying, all of which I like.
She celebrates and embraces vast differences. Me, too.
Gaga's got tongues a wagging today over her new 24-K Gold wheelchair. Some have taken her to task for glamorizing disabilities, which doesn't bother me as much as it does some others.Why? Because I think all that talk about Gaga being Gaga, complete with chair choice, glamorous or not, helps create more media awareness and big talk for the special needs cause. That's always good.
Might all the ruckus even help normalize wheelchair use a bit?
My immediate reaction to this new Gaga story? The gold and all those other expensive special needs bells and whistles could have paid for many simpler wheelchairs for regular folks who can't afford one or whose insurance request is denied.
That's where I take offense.
Perhaps Gaga will consider contributing $$$$ to organizations that help purchase chairs for those in need or perhaps purchase a few herself. That would be Gaga cool.
Your reactions, Little Monsters and the rest of the world?
Photo above: Reality check. A more common sight? A chariot without all the bling and a ride that's not temporary.
Here's the story.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Special Needs Casting Call for Toys R Us Annual Catalogue for Diffently-Abled Kids!
Ages 12 months to 10 years.
Find out details here.
Kudos to Toys R Us.
2012 catalogue image courtesy of the retail giant.
Friday, March 08, 2013
Emily Rapp. Dragon Moms and Two Grieving Moms.
Author/grieving mom, Emily Rapp's powerful piece and interview on this morning's Today Show resonates with me even more than most because I, too, lost my son in cold, cruel February. My loss was ten years ago and one day later. My son lost his life to complications of cerebral palsy.
We both shared children with big medical challenges, beautiful, smart, charming, much-loved children fully included in our lives and in the world. We both tried and continue to try to make sense of devastating loss for which no explanation will ever be calming enough.
We both chose to help honor our children's lives and help change the lives of others, including by writing and becoming authors about our remarkable and painful journeys. I devoted an entire chapter in my book to facing the death of a child and included a powerful essay about my loss. Rapp details the day-to-day challenges of living with a child she knows is going to die from Tay- Sachs disease, an insidious diagnosis for which there is currently no cure.
Any mother and father can benefit from Rapp's wise words, fresh in their grief and from mine, lessons learned from more than a decade in survival mode. We share similar, hard-won advice from parenting battlefields of grief. We share the joy, the lessons and the love of a child that helps turn you into a bit of parenting sage: Enjoy your children. Be fully present. Ease up. Your children are not projects. They are, however, great teachers. But we must open ourselves up and sit still long enough to learn their lessons.
I hope you take our parenting advice to heart, especially while your children are still yours to squeeze tightly to your chest. Savor the blessings. It can all be over in the blink of an eye.
Special note: A parent never gets over the death of a child. You just learn how to go on breathing moment by moment of each challenging new day, until the horrific stinging finally begins to ease. Finding purpose in sharing your own tough story of loss, while honoring a beautiful child's legacy in the hope it serves others, helps, too. In so doing, somehow, you can survive this loss, even find joy again.
That much I know.
Watch the Today Show interview and find link to Rapp's new book, here.
Author/grieving mom, Emily Rapp's powerful piece and interview on this morning's Today Show resonates with me even more than most because I, too, lost my son in cold, cruel February. My loss was ten years ago and one day later. My son lost his life to complications of cerebral palsy.
We both shared children with big medical challenges, beautiful, smart, charming, much-loved children fully included in our lives and in the world. We both tried and continue to try to make sense of devastating loss for which no explanation will ever be calming enough.
We both chose to help honor our children's lives and help change the lives of others, including by writing and becoming authors about our remarkable and painful journeys. I devoted an entire chapter in my book to facing the death of a child and included a powerful essay about my loss. Rapp details the day-to-day challenges of living with a child she knows is going to die from Tay- Sachs disease, an insidious diagnosis for which there is currently no cure.
Any mother and father can benefit from Rapp's wise words, fresh in their grief and from mine, lessons learned from more than a decade in survival mode. We share similar, hard-won advice from parenting battlefields of grief. We share the joy, the lessons and the love of a child that helps turn you into a bit of parenting sage: Enjoy your children. Be fully present. Ease up. Your children are not projects. They are, however, great teachers. But we must open ourselves up and sit still long enough to learn their lessons.
I hope you take our parenting advice to heart, especially while your children are still yours to squeeze tightly to your chest. Savor the blessings. It can all be over in the blink of an eye.
Special note: A parent never gets over the death of a child. You just learn how to go on breathing moment by moment of each challenging new day, until the horrific stinging finally begins to ease. Finding purpose in sharing your own tough story of loss, while honoring a beautiful child's legacy in the hope it serves others, helps, too. In so doing, somehow, you can survive this loss, even find joy again.
That much I know.
Watch the Today Show interview and find link to Rapp's new book, here.
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
WORD GONE WRONG:
An brief, but insightful New York Times Op-Ed piece about the Spread-the-Word campaign.
Well said/written, Mr. Downes. Word Gone Wrong.
"When you know better, you do better." -Maya Angelou
As a writer, I don't usually endorse censorship. But I don't promote use of (or use) any hate speech either. That's what the word retarded now represents to millions worldwide.
Have you ever heard anyone use the word to build someone up?
Like other minority speech we loudly denounce and react quickly to, the r-word reinforces painful, outdated and limiting stereotypes. Because of my son, wrongly judged to be intellectually challenged due to wheelchair use and limited motor/speech skills, I know firsthand the daily, painful, tough judgement faced by more than 200 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities (current, accepted terminology) because of the ignorance and insensitivity fueled by the continued, casual and ugly use of this word as a put down.
I choose to show Respect to others instead. What about you? At the very least, I hope you will consider talking with your children about not using the word, especially to put others down. Teachable moment.
Make no mistake, words do hurt, especially this one.
Find out more, here.
If you want to read a past post of mine that further details why the r-word can be so hurtful, click here.
Photo of RicStar Camp participant by Erik Taylor Photography. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Watch it here.
Kudos to all involved in this ground-breaking program/episode.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Special offer to Winter Ramblings readers.
Your chance to see the play TRIBES in Los Angeles at a reduced ticket cost. If you go, please send me photos of your evening to share with the producers. Read on for all the details.
TRIBES
Written By Nina Raine
Directed by David Cromer
Mark Taper Forum
Feb 27 – April 14, 2013
“Unquestionably, one of the best new plays of the year! - The
Huffington Post
“A smart, lively and beautifully acted new play that asks
us to hear how we hear, in silence as well as in speech.” - The New York
Times
From the press release:
Billy is in love. For the first time in his entire life as
a deaf person, he has found someone who listens to him. Now Sylvia, on the brink of losing
hearing herself, must pass inspection with the family: four dynamically
dysfunctional adults living together at home where conversations are
filter-free and no topic is taboo except one: why didn’t Billy or his family
ever learn sign language?
Experience this intimate play like never before at the
Taper. Available for this production, a limited number of $20 on stage seats
are available. This audience will be “up close” to the action, from the comfort
of a theatre seat. With only 6 seats in each row, on stage seating brings the
audience closer to the personal touches director David Cromer brought to his
off-Broadway production. Click here to see a pdf of the Taper seat
map including on stage seating locations. Due to their unique nature, these
tickets are not available for late seating, wheelchair accessibility or those
who need to leave their seat during the performance.
Special Ticket Offer!
Just $37 (Reg. $50) for select performances in Section A. Valid for evening performances February 27 and 28 and March 3, 5, 6 and 7. To purchase tickets call 213-628-2772 and mention code SILENCE or online here.
Just $37 (Reg. $50) for select performances in Section A. Valid for evening performances February 27 and 28 and March 3, 5, 6 and 7. To purchase tickets call 213-628-2772 and mention code SILENCE or online here.
*Subject
to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. May not
be combined with any other offers. Offer applies to Section A seating
only.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Reminder: While I am posting here, most of my special needs daily posts now appear on my professional Facebook page. Here are the links to my current social networking sites.
Facebook- Special Needs Parenting Posts
Pinterest- Special Needs Parenting Board-Fav Resources
Twitter-Judy Winter
Tumblr-Winter Visions: pretty things. pretty words. pretty images. General interest blog.
RicStar's Camp Update:
Drum roll, please! Registration for the 11th annual RicStar's Camp is now open to ALL. Go forth and make merry music, but get registered first.
Celebrate Abilities, too!
Details here.
Erik Taylor Photography. All rights reserved.
Drum roll, please! Registration for the 11th annual RicStar's Camp is now open to ALL. Go forth and make merry music, but get registered first.
Celebrate Abilities, too!
Details here.
Erik Taylor Photography. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
RicStar's Camp Update!
Reminder to all RETURNING RicStar's Camp participants! Just two more days before registration and all the music making and fun open up to ALL. Secure your place now. Camp will be full. Wait list rarely, if ever, moves. You've been warned. :)
Focused on Celebrating Abilities!
Erik Taylor Photography. All rights reserved.
The Sandwich Kid & Special Needs Sibs:
A few years ago, I was involved in a wonderful sibling project called, The Sandwich Kid, a short film about the role of siblings in special needs families. Filmmaker/friend/mom, Keri Bowers, just re-shared this wonderful work with me and now I’m sharing it with you. I’m proud to have been part of this valuable effort, one that still has great impact today. See it here.
A few years ago, I was involved in a wonderful sibling project called, The Sandwich Kid, a short film about the role of siblings in special needs families. Filmmaker/friend/mom, Keri Bowers, just re-shared this wonderful work with me and now I’m sharing it with you. I’m proud to have been part of this valuable effort, one that still has great impact today. See it here.
If
you can’t watch the entire promo but would like to hear my words, I come in
around 6:30. But I think the entire piece is worth your time and view. You can
find out more about the complete video of The Sandwich Kid and Keri’s other work on special needs here.
Siblings
of brothers/sisters with exceptionalities will always be my heroes.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Faces of Ability: Evan Fiorella
My hubby and I loved having dinner last night with our Canadian friends and RicStar's Camp participant, Evan Fiorella and his terrific mom, Alison. We are so proud of Evan and inspired by his amazing talent and determination in light of the challenges of having cerebral palsy and wheelchair use.
Here is a recent State News feature on Evan and his love for and study of music at Michigan State University's Community Music School. Well worth the read. Makes me proud to be a Spartan.
We're also incredibly proud that RicStar's Camp exists. Music changes lives. So do great families like the Fiorellas.
What's your child's big dream?
My hubby and I loved having dinner last night with our Canadian friends and RicStar's Camp participant, Evan Fiorella and his terrific mom, Alison. We are so proud of Evan and inspired by his amazing talent and determination in light of the challenges of having cerebral palsy and wheelchair use.
Here is a recent State News feature on Evan and his love for and study of music at Michigan State University's Community Music School. Well worth the read. Makes me proud to be a Spartan.
We're also incredibly proud that RicStar's Camp exists. Music changes lives. So do great families like the Fiorellas.
What's your child's big dream?
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Reminder: Most of my special needs posts now appear on my professional Facebook page. Here are the links to my current social networking sites.
Facebook- Special Needs Parenting Posts
Pinterest- Special Needs Parenting Board-Fav Resources
Twitter-Judy Winter
Tumblr-Winter Visions: pretty things. pretty words. pretty images. General interest blog.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Brief update to the post below and others like it, Sometimes I'm asked if publicly addressing/flogging such naughty behaviors only adds to the person's fame/name/time in the media spotlight. In this case, I don't think Joan Rivers needs my help with fame. She's already got it.
What people sometimes don't fully understand about my work is that one of the big responsibilities I've taken on as a special needs advocate/writer is to not remain silent, always shake it off, join in the nervous snickering and then quietly go away when the special needs population is insulted or worse. Whether or not the person in question ever apologizes isn't the point. Although, if they do, it's a bonus.
I boldly speak up in hope of bringing greater awareness, sensitivity, understanding and much-needed intelligent conversation about those with special needs to help counter the on-going perpetuation of deep-seated ignorance, stereotypes and insulting behaviors about disability that exist today. I bring words to light and examine them. That's part of my job and I hope my actions help give others permission to speak up, generate valuable conversation and become effective advocates in their own way.
In short, I believe strongly that:
Saying nothing.
Doing nothing.
Changes nothing.
And changing nothing goes against everything my passionate work/advocacy of the past twenty years stands for. So, expect more calling-them-out mini rants from me in the future. I call it balancing things out and working loudly for needed change. You can agree or disagree with what I write.
My hope is you'll raise your voices where needed, too. There's already way too much silence.
_____________________________________
Tuesday a.m. Mini Rant: Special Needs Slap on the Head to Joan Rivers, always focused on rudely bullying everyone with her nasty tongue.
In recapping 2013 Grammy fashion hits/misses on E's Fashion Police, Rivers slams one artist wearing a dress she doesn't like by saying: "She looks like the Homecoming Queen for the Special Olympics." Yes, she said that.
In a world increasingly focused on the devastating effects of bullying, why does E/Fashion Police think this woman and her rude, hurtful digs add anything to this show? I just turn it off.
You can do better, E.
You, too, Joan Rivers. You're old enough to know better.
What people sometimes don't fully understand about my work is that one of the big responsibilities I've taken on as a special needs advocate/writer is to not remain silent, always shake it off, join in the nervous snickering and then quietly go away when the special needs population is insulted or worse. Whether or not the person in question ever apologizes isn't the point. Although, if they do, it's a bonus.
I boldly speak up in hope of bringing greater awareness, sensitivity, understanding and much-needed intelligent conversation about those with special needs to help counter the on-going perpetuation of deep-seated ignorance, stereotypes and insulting behaviors about disability that exist today. I bring words to light and examine them. That's part of my job and I hope my actions help give others permission to speak up, generate valuable conversation and become effective advocates in their own way.
In short, I believe strongly that:
Saying nothing.
Doing nothing.
Changes nothing.
And changing nothing goes against everything my passionate work/advocacy of the past twenty years stands for. So, expect more calling-them-out mini rants from me in the future. I call it balancing things out and working loudly for needed change. You can agree or disagree with what I write.
My hope is you'll raise your voices where needed, too. There's already way too much silence.
_____________________________________
Tuesday a.m. Mini Rant: Special Needs Slap on the Head to Joan Rivers, always focused on rudely bullying everyone with her nasty tongue.
In recapping 2013 Grammy fashion hits/misses on E's Fashion Police, Rivers slams one artist wearing a dress she doesn't like by saying: "She looks like the Homecoming Queen for the Special Olympics." Yes, she said that.
In a world increasingly focused on the devastating effects of bullying, why does E/Fashion Police think this woman and her rude, hurtful digs add anything to this show? I just turn it off.
You can do better, E.
You, too, Joan Rivers. You're old enough to know better.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Weekly Special Needs Coverage TV Alert Recap.
It's been a good week for awareness for a diverse range of exceptionalities. Check out a couple of my favs on my Facebook page. Kudos, Katie Couric and Ricki Lake!
Monday, February 04, 2013
Monday Mini Rant:
A couple of days ago, I viewed a great video piece about a young man with special needs. Overall, it was well reported and powerful. But, as too often is the case, it also included an introduction to the story that included the words, 'the man 'suffers' from..... (name of his disability). An unnecessary, negative word that detracted from otherwise good reporting. It also suggests an air of pity.
So here's my reminder to the media. Please, try to refrain from using the word 'suffer' or 'suffering' whenever you are reporting on or writing about someone with special needs.
How do you know they are suffering?
Better to simply say/report that the person has.....(name of condition), rather than suffers with.....
Please, lose the emotional, lacking-in-objectivity embellishment, one which may or may not be accurate. Thank you!
Monday Mini Rant over.
Special Note: Here's an Article I penned a while back to help your further understand why such word usage is especially sensitive to many families facing the challenges of special needs parenting.
When you know better, you do better.
A couple of days ago, I viewed a great video piece about a young man with special needs. Overall, it was well reported and powerful. But, as too often is the case, it also included an introduction to the story that included the words, 'the man 'suffers' from..... (name of his disability). An unnecessary, negative word that detracted from otherwise good reporting. It also suggests an air of pity.
So here's my reminder to the media. Please, try to refrain from using the word 'suffer' or 'suffering' whenever you are reporting on or writing about someone with special needs.
How do you know they are suffering?
Better to simply say/report that the person has.....(name of condition), rather than suffers with.....
Please, lose the emotional, lacking-in-objectivity embellishment, one which may or may not be accurate. Thank you!
Monday Mini Rant over.
Special Note: Here's an Article I penned a while back to help your further understand why such word usage is especially sensitive to many families facing the challenges of special needs parenting.
When you know better, you do better.
Friday, February 01, 2013
Ravens Superfan, Matthew Jeffers, Gives Powerful Perspective on Super Bowl XLVII and On Life and Helps Redefine Disability
"The only disability in life, is a bad attitude." -Matthew Jeffers
As Super-Bowl Sunday approaches and the yearly sports furor escalates to new heights, here's some perspective from Baltimore Ravens superfan Matthew Jeffers, a 21-year-old acting student and senior at Townsend State University in Maryland.
Jeffers, who is short statured, has boldly faced many tough life challenges and is now facing one more. His mother may be dying. Jeffers recently sent an e-mail entitled, 'A Reason to Win,' to Ravens Head Coach, John Harbaugh, hoping to fuel his team on to victory. Jeffer's words got the coach's attention big time. If the Ravens win on Sunday, they should offer a special thanks to Jeffers, who just may have provided the team with that special extra something and golden motivation needed to win it all.
Everybody should view Jeffers powerful message. It's better than the Super Bowl commercials. Yes, it is. The media is all over this feel-good story. You'll be hearing more.
Thank you, Matthew Jeffers, for putting the game of life into perspective so beautifully.
Click here to watch the Ravens superfan deliver his powerful words/performance.
A star is born, one focused on ability.
"The only disability in life, is a bad attitude." -Matthew Jeffers
As Super-Bowl Sunday approaches and the yearly sports furor escalates to new heights, here's some perspective from Baltimore Ravens superfan Matthew Jeffers, a 21-year-old acting student and senior at Townsend State University in Maryland.
Jeffers, who is short statured, has boldly faced many tough life challenges and is now facing one more. His mother may be dying. Jeffers recently sent an e-mail entitled, 'A Reason to Win,' to Ravens Head Coach, John Harbaugh, hoping to fuel his team on to victory. Jeffer's words got the coach's attention big time. If the Ravens win on Sunday, they should offer a special thanks to Jeffers, who just may have provided the team with that special extra something and golden motivation needed to win it all.
Everybody should view Jeffers powerful message. It's better than the Super Bowl commercials. Yes, it is. The media is all over this feel-good story. You'll be hearing more.
Thank you, Matthew Jeffers, for putting the game of life into perspective so beautifully.
Click here to watch the Ravens superfan deliver his powerful words/performance.
A star is born, one focused on ability.
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