All photos by Judy Winter 2014

Eric 'RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp 
(aka RicStar's Camp)Version of 

Pharrell Williams' HAPPY Song

Here's our version of Pharrell Williams' popular and catchy HAPPY song, featuring the campers, staff and volunteers of the 12th annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, named in honor of my son, Eric. 

He had a remarkable gift for music and passed away too soon at age 12 in 2003. RicStar's Camp honors Eric's legacy and love for music.

Please share this video with all you know and help us create greater awareness of the beautiful, diverse faces of exceptionalities and the power of music and RicStar's Camp (a community jewel) to change lives.

We focus on celebrating abilities by letting campers show us what they CAN do. 

Campers never disappoint.

No one is turned away because of disability or financial need.

Thanks to Jon Whiting and Steve Boughton of MSU for their outstanding professional work showcasing what we do each summer.

Making life better for this population through our remarkable camp makes me soooo HAPPY!!

So does this video. I know Eric is smiling.

Yeah. It's that good. :)

See for yourself here.

Reminder: Find me on Facebook!

My professional Facebook page 'Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs' (same name as my book), now includes much more frequent updates than this blog currently does. 

Feel free to visit me there, too.

Judy Winter Image 2014

Did You Know?

The multi-talented journalist, Lisa Ling, has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Check out the story here.

Certified Therapy Dog and School Dog, Jack, taking a well-deserved bow. Pure canine magic.

My TEDx TALK

In case you missed my TEDx talk, "Schooled by a Dog," here's the YouTube link.

My battle cry: Certified Therapy Dogs in Every Classroom in the Nation!!!


Here's one of my many special needs interviews, this one close to home.  

Judy Winter Image 

Minute Vacation

Escape for a little while.

Breathe out.

One mom voices her admiration for Special Olympics

Make that one mom with TWO kids with Down syndrome that found in SO a place to just be a "typical" family.

Isn't that what we all want?

Read it here.

Keeping up with Eric LeGrand

Read the update here.

AAPD

Good Weekly Resource on Facebook

Redefine Disability.

More here.

Wheels

Extreme 22-year-old athlete with spina bifida, Aaron Fotheringham, takes on skate-board parks and wins impressively.

Don't tell him what he can't do, and don't say he's "confined" to a wheelchair, either.

Check it out here.

Focused on ability.

Hear Yee!! 2014 Call for Entries

The Kennedy Center VSA annual juried competition.

Find out more here.

Judy Winter Image 2014

Weekly Words of Wisdom: Maya Angelou.

"All great achievements require time."

Be patient.

Judy Winter Image 2014

Kudos to Meryl Davis and Amy Purdy-Dancing with the Stars 2014!

Meryl Davis (has dyslexia) and Amy Purdy (double amputee) took first and second place last night on the finale of Dancing with the Stars.

Both women have worked incredibly hard to overcome some big challenges and achieve impressive success. Both are mucho talented, beautiful and gracious, and Amy just made ground-breaking history.

I've been doing this special-needs-advocacy work a long, long time. I began at a time when few if any even people talked about the potential of this population, much less looked beyond disability to showcase individual talents.

This is a big deal.

Today, my special needs advocacy heart is overflowing.

Two remarkable women. Two Olympic champions. Two great dancers. Two stellar role models for young women everywhere. No tables thrown. No fighting. No profanity. No embarrassment.

Just class and talent and dignity and ability showcased in all its glory on live television. 

Long overdue.

There is no runner-up status here. Both women were/are spectacular.

The ladie's partners were pretty darn sweet, too. 

Special shout out to Derek Hough. The way he approached this unfamiliar special-needs situation showed rare class, professionalism and total commitment to learning something brand new and out of his comfort zone.

I love that he didn't handle Amy with disability kid gloves or turn her into a DWTS mascot.

He looked beyond the obvious to challenge this incredibly talented and spirited young Paralympian, helping her achieve her full dancing potential, and then some.

Paid off in dancing spades.

Hough was willing to take a chance on himself, too. And let's not forget his incredible talent as a choreographer/dancer.

I've no doubt Derek Hough is a better person today because of this remarkable experience.

We all are.

Best season of Dancing with the Stars, ever!!

Thank you for the thrill ride and the media-worthy example. This was about so much more than grabbing a glittery trophy.

Pure class, and focused on ability.

Bravo!

DID YOU KNOW?

Olympic Ice-Dancing Gold Medalist and big contender for the Mirabel on Dancing with the Stars tonight Meryl Davis is dyslexic.

Image courtesy of Sprout Film Festival

THE 2014 SPROUT FILM FESTIVAL

The annual festival showcases several works of art featuring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It's held from Sat. May 31st thru Sun. June 1st in NYC.

Sprout does a lot of other good stuff, too.

Check out all the Sprout details here.

Jack taking a well-deserved bow after our TEDx Lansing talk.

My TEDx Lansing Talk

I think I forgot to share my TEDx Lansing talk Schooled by a Dog with you here.

So here you go. It's about my experience/success using a therapy dog (my dog, Jack) in public schools during the past three years (including with students with special needs) and my belief that all schools could benefit greatly from these terrific canine teachers.

Watch it here.

Happy Birthday, Stevie Wonder!!

Celebrating 64 years of Wonder-ful music.

Focused on remarkable ability.

Watch the YouTube tribute here.

Reminder: Find me on Facebook!

My professional Facebook page 'Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs' (same name as my book), now includes much more frequent updates than this blog currently does. 

Feel free to visit me there, too.

Judy Winter Image

Life After Paralysis

Monday Inspiration: Karen LeGrand and her son Eric LeGrand.

Here's a belated Mother's Day message from Karen LeGrand, mother of former Rutger's football player, Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed from the neck down during a Rutger's football game.

Read the words of wisdom here.

Judy Winter Image

Monday Inspiration: Amy Purdy.

I'm a big fan of the Paralympic bronze medalist and fan fav on the current season of Dancing with the Stars.

She's amazing, and focused on remarkable ability.

Follow her and her wonderful DWTS success, here.

Visual courtesy of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

BEST DAD ON WHEELS CONTEST!!

It's that time again. Time to submit your choice for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation 2014 BEST DAD ON WHEELS!

Go to it!

RicStar's Camp. Erik Taylor Photography.

UM Engineering Students Take on Software Challenge that Could Open Up the World for Young Girl with Cerebral Palsy, and Many Others

Please take a moment to watch this wonderful video highlighting the power of technology to open up the world for those with special needs.

Computer Science with Soul features one of our favorite RicStar Camp participants, the beautiful, smart and gutsy Grace Simon.

It is a potentially life-changing project of University of Michigan (UM) Engineering College students, the techi-software results of which could impact many other kids (and adults) with special needs, especially those with speech and motor challenges.

Exciting!

This is one time that I can say with my whole MSU-Green-to-the-alumni-core heart, Go BLUE!!

The New R-Word- RESPECT

Seems like the perfect day to share my Friday Ludington Daily News column with you, too.

It's my response to the recent removal of the words mental retardation/mentally retarded from Michigan laws.

About time.

You can read it here.

FACES OF ABILITY WITH CEREBRAL PALSY.

In Honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, my beautiful baby boy, Eric. 

Gone too soon.

Enough said.

judy winter photo. all rights reserved.

It's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!

Spread the word!

logo credit here. 

WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!

Friday, March 21, 2014.

Get your sock groove on!
More info here.

Logo courtesy of same. Used with permission.

Kudos, Parents magazine! 

Attn: Media!

The April 2014 issue features siblings on the cover, one of whom has autism. My son appeared in his own full-page shot in a photo essay of kids with special needs in this very parenting magazine years ago.

It was ground breaking then and this cover is ground breaking now.

Congratulations, Parents editorial decision makers.

Hope this is the beginning of an editorial trend, one that features children with a wide range of exceptionalities.

We've come a long way, special needs baby!

Read more about this here.

Judy Winter Image 2014. All rights reserved.

Leprechaun sighting.


HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY!!!

Don't drink too much green beer...

HANGIN WITH TED

Certified therapy dog, Jack, taking a well-deserved bow at TEDx Lansing talk.

Let the certified-therapy-dog-in-every-school-in-the-nation-educational-reform revolution begin.

My TEDx Lansing talk is now on YouTube. 

I look/sound like I mean business.

I do.

Replacing r-word use with RESPECT

The big yearly push by Special Olympics to replace r-word use with Respect is today. I hope you'll consider supporting this important effort. I do. And yes, it does matter.

Here's a piece I wrote in 2012 detailing why ending the r-word use matters to me.

Photo courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

Yes. I do support this campaign. I think you should, too. Words hurt, especially this one.

Find out more, here.

Registration is now open to ALL campers (returning/new) for the 11th Annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, aka RicStar's Camp.

Don't delay. Fills up fast. Scholarships available.

Find out all you need to know, including registration form, here.

Focused on ability, friendship, inclusion, making music and having way too much fun!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Share the love!

Who's the real inspiration in this powerful, well-written Olympic story about ice dancing stars, Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue, and a gusty mid-Michigan teen recovering from a serious car accident?

Read it here.

Say What?

So, 18-year-old, Christian Tumax of Texas stands up to kids bullying a student with special needs and he gets suspended?

Really, people?

FREE TUMAX.

Read the article, here.

More information and resources, here.

2014 Dates & Registration Announced for 12th Annual RicStar's Camp!

Registration is now open for all returning campers for the 12th Annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp at Michigan State University's Community Music School.

Registration opens to new campers March 1st.

Don't delay. Camp will likely be full.

Scholarships available.

Focused on ability and making music!

All information, registration form, camp flyer here.

I have a dream, too, Dr. King.

In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day tomorrow, here is one from the archives.

I still stand by these words.

In the words of the late, great Dr. King, "What impacts one, impacts all."

Sunday Spirit: from "Miracle on 34th Street."

"Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to."

Judy Winter Image 2013. All rights reserved.

Call for Drama Programs for People with Exceptionalities for Ability magazine article.

From Gail Williamson and Down Syndrome in Arts & Media (DSiAM): 

Gail is working with a journalist doing a story on the Born to Act Players out of Los Angeles. The journalist would like to include other programs around the U.S. and the world that provide drama training for those with developmental disabilities.

Are you part of such a group? If so send, add your information to the comments section on the DSiAM Facebook page. 

Weekly Inspiration: Melissa Shang.

Melissa Shang is a 10-year-old wheelchair user with Chacot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited neurological disorder.

Melissa is petitioning American Girl dolls to create a doll of the year with exceptionalities.

Inspired by her youthful determination and advocacy? 

I sure am.

Read more about Melissa's effort here.

New Year's Tip #2 

When making new goals for your child and yourelf, try not to look too far into the future. It can be overwhelming.

Instead, focus on achieving short-term, daily goals and success that will help you build a solid foundation for reaching those bigger future goals.

Slow and steady wins this parenting race.

Worldwide Special Needs Awareness/Progress.

Check out the trailer for the new Lebanese movie: Ghadi the Movie, featuring a young boy with Down syndrome.

Watch it here.

Parenting Sass: Brene Brown.

"The uncertainty of parenting can bring up feelings in us that range from frustration to terror."

Truth.

Happy New Year!! Make good things happen!

Judy Winter Image 2013. All rights reserved.

First Tip of the New Year!

Brand new year. Brand new opportunities. Fresh start. 

Forget the disappointments of 2013 and start fresh. 

Focus on what's possible for your child this year, not on what's isn't or on what hasn't happened in the past, and then give your goals all the parenting power and love you've got to give.

What what happens.

Friday Inspiration: Bob Coomber.

Bob Coomber, a hiker who uses a wheelchair, is making another attempt to hike the Sierra Mountains.

Read his most recent story, here.

Call for Dancers!!

Axis Dance Company is holding auditions for dancers with special needs. Act now!

Find out more, here.

Reminder: While there's lots to read on this site and I try to update it monthly, most of my regular, daily special needs updates now appear on my professional Facebook page.

You can find it here.

You can find my book here.

Words from Janet Froetscher, the new CEO of Special Olympics.

 "Now let's all work together to win."

Read more here.

Add caption

Halloween costumes for kids using wheelchairs.

'Tis the season to be creative!

Check them out here.

My friend actor Blair Williamson with Lauren Potter. Photo used with permission.

If like me, you've been wondering when that terrific actress/advocate, Lauren Potter, is going to make an appearance on the new season of GLEE, here's the scoop.

About time.

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, my friend, the talented actor/photog, Blair Williamson. 

Focused on ability.

Jammin at RicStar's Camp 2013.. Erik Taylor Photography. All rights reserved.

Mid-Week Reflection:

I've been focused on special needs advocacy/writing/speaking/parenting for more than two decades. While much work remains, I also recognize just how far we've traveled.

Years ago, I often felt like a lone voice in the special-needs wilderness. Thank God I had the stellar examples of the Shriver family & Special Olympics, and that of Christopher and Dana Reeve to fuel me on during the roughest parenting days.  

Like my son, they remain my heroes.

Today, when I see just how far we have come, all the voices that have joined mine, and the big progress that has been made for this population, I hyperventilate, in a good way. Years ago, I had some big mommy dreams and a huge commiment to righting some big wrongs.

I've seen many of those heartfelt dreams come true, but not enough. We must finally silence that question of whether or not those with exceptionalities, and their families, are worthy of our time, support, effort, resources and dollars.

They are, just like everybody else.

As long as I have a voice, I will always raise it to champion the dignity, equality, opportunities and rights of those with special needs, especially children. My life has been infinitely richer as a result of my son's unexpected special needs.

I won't rest until true equality and better life opportunities are assured for all those with exceptionalities, not a question of doubt and value.

How about you?

Want to make your life better? Serve others. Start with your own children and watch your impact grow. Your efforts will help create a brighter future for you, too.

That's worth every ounce of effort.

I know.

The 4th Annual Audi/Best Buddies walk/run event held recently in Washington, D.C. raised $2.5 million for Best Buddies.

See what can be accomplished when we join forces for good? It takes a village to help ensure the lives of those with exceptionalities are the best they can be.

Kudos to all involved in realizing this success.

Find out more here.

Wednesday Words of Wisdom: 

"Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It comes from indomintable will." -Mahatma Ghandi.

My answer to the partial government shutdown and shameless political antics holding this country hostage? Take the best special needs parents and let them govern.

They'll get things done in record time, for all the right reasons.