After my last post, I feel the need to post something of beauty. I think this street art I discovered yesterday at Detroit's Eastern Market fits the bill nicely.
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Media Alert -New York Times Addresses Questionable Deaths of Those with Disabilities in State Care
Some stories are very difficult to read and share, as is the case with today's New York Times piece about the questionable deaths of 1,200 individuals with disabilities in state care in New York. For those who have children of all ages with special needs, this is the kind of story that reinforces their worst parenting nightmares about the horrors of possible outside placement for their loved ones, even when a placement is needed and the groundwork must be done to find a good one. It's also another reason so many families are today taking part in building/running group homes their children live in.
Hard to read,? Absolutely. But at least, we are no longer hiding these atrocities. That will help create needed change, including how we train and pay those entrusted with the care of such individuals. We need to see this population as 'people first,' with value, not as the unnamed and easily dismissed disabled, as has been the case in this country, and the world for far too long.
Read In State Care, 1,200 Deaths and Few Answers, here.
My heart broke reading this story, both for families who are part of this tragedy, and because I know that for the grace of God, this could easily be any parent's story.
Shameful. We must do better.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
Judy Winter
Random Thoughts-Parents of Kids with Special Needs
I'm convinced that if elected to office, involved, loving parents of kids with special needs would get important things done in an efficient and timely manner. They have neither time nor energy to waste, and most give of themselves to others unselfishly 24/7, aware that what they do in each moment impacts the future of a child, and their own. They'd see what needed to be done and they'd roll up their sleeves and get to it. No excuses.
There are no harder working, more dedicated individuals anywhere.
My hat is off to each one of them.
Photo at Detroit's Eastern Market by Judy Winter 2011
A Parent's Guide to Tweens and Teens with ADHD
Did you know that a recent study found that teens with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are considered at greater risk for participating in risky behaviors? Here's a link with helpful tips and resources for parents on how to better address the needs of tweens and teens with ADHD.
Find it here.
Find it here.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
Lives Worth Living Photos - Day 6
Evan and his terrific mom. A parent's belief in their child, and all that unconditional love, is powerful indeed.
RicStar's Camp by Judy Winter 2011
Reminder -Dates for 2012 RicStar's Camp Announced
Dates for the 10th annual Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp, a.k.a. RicStar's Camp, have been announced. Camp is open to individuals of all ages and all disabilities and their siblings. Our focus is on ability.
Camp will be held Thursday, June 14th through Saturday, June 16th. Put it on your calendars and stay tuned for future details about registration.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
RicStar's Camp has been changing the lives of children and adults with special needs through music for a decade. Huge milestone.
Eric must be smiling. I know I am.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
Worth Repeating - Best Buddies
"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.
Photo courtesy of Best Buddies.
Reminder-Judy Winter's Parenting Tips on YouTube
I'm pleased to share with you that tips for four special needs parenting topics that I filmed for the PBS program A Wider World are now on YouTube. You can view them all at the links below, and please share with others you know could benefit. I'll add more links as they become available.
Photo by Erik Taylor Photography
Photo by Erik Taylor Photography
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Lives Worth Living Photos - Day 5
My remarkable and accomplished friend, international motivational speaker and disability activist, Al Swain, at the ADA 20th Anniversary celebration at Michigan's Capital. One of the most gracious people I've ever met.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
Special Needs Kudos! -Trent Glaze Scores Touchdown
Trent Glaze is a member of the Fairfield Union High School football team in Ohio and recently scored a touchdown. Not usually national news. But Trent has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. This young man, who wants to coach one day, is solidly focused on ability, as are others around him.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
For this story, I give props to the media, Huff Post News, for avoiding use of the all too commonly used and limiting words 'wheelchair bound' and instead writing 'student who uses a wheelchair' in the headline promoting the piece on their website. (Unlike AOL & ABC which highlighted the story using the same old language). Words do matter.
Score! And progress. More needed.
Kudos to you, Trent Glaze. Ability rocks.
Watch the future football coach in action, here.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center & Smart Phones
Just announced, the 2011 Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's 2011 Guide to the Best Apps for Individuals Living with Paralysis, including IPhone, IPad, IPod touch, Android, Blackberry and more.
Find the guide here.
Simpler times? Photo Judy Winter 2011
Words of Wisdom from Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York -November 2011
"Listen to everyone's advice, but make up your own mind."
-Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York.
Random Thoughts-Trees
I feel badly for kids today who don't have the marvelous experience of playing outdoors for hours on end, their overactive imaginations blazing, no technology or parents in sight. The creative seeds of my life as a writer were planted years ago when as a child, I was rocked in the strong arms of tall, magnificent trees. There, I would daydream away summer hours until stern last calls for dinner, the final light of day or the appearance of the night's first lighting bug, or it got too cold. It was true freedom and the young muse flowed freely. I owe a lot of my creative success as a writer to those early tree moments. No wonder they still hold my heart.
Maybe I'll ignore technology, grab a pad/pencil and go climb one today. But I'll no doubt choose a lower branch than would my carefree, naive younger self.
Photo Judy Winter 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Kim Kardashian Filing for Divorce After 72 Days? Please.
Sometimes, I just can't hold my tongue. This is one of those times. I'll be brief.
Here's a novel idea. Get married for the right reasons.
Feel free to share your thoughts.
Photo of me and my hubby. Still together after all these years.
Media Alert! -2011 Toys R Us Differently Abled Toy Guide w/Eva Longoria
The 2011 Toys R Us Differently Abled Toy Guide, with Eva Longoria on its cover, is now available online. Longoria's sister, Elizabeth, was born with Down syndrome, making this a great fit for the superstar special needs sib. Longoria shares the cover with 5-year-old Elijah De Lo Corda, who has Down syndrome.
Find the guide here.
Kudos to Toys R Us for publishing this valuable guide for nearly twenty years, a resource which helps take some of the guess work out of purchasing age/skill level appropriate and fun gifts for kids with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. What a blessing for the families and their children. The end result? More smiles on the faces of the lucky receivers.
Kudos to the Desperate Housewives star for honoring her sister by advocating for important resources for those with special needs. You can find out more about Longoria's charity designed to enhance the lives of those with developmental disabilities, Eva's Heroes, here.
Love it when celebs use their celebrity for good, especially when it benefits the lives of those with special needs. Thanks, Eva!
Image courtesy of Toys R Us.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Happy Pre Halloween!
By looking more closely, I see beauty in imperfection.
How about you?
Photos Judy Winter 2011
Lives Worth Living Photos - Day 2
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