Can your child be featured on this years Christmas cards?

I don’t know about you, but It would do my heart good to see a Christmas card that features children/people with disabilities. It’s all about raising awareness and I do that every chance I get.
But how are we going to do that you might ask. Easy... i’ll paint it! Then, i’ll make my painting into a card and have them to your door by December 1st just in time for you to send them along to your family and friends for the Holiday Season.The only problem is, I’m having a bit of trouble picking the perfect image, so i’m looking to the special needs community to send me images via email. If you have an awesome image that you think will make the perfect Christmas card for our special needs families, send it to harrold.janet@gmail.com If I decide to use your image, I will send you the original painting, a 16x 20 this is typically a $500.-$700. value, all rights to the image will remain mine and can not be duplicated or reproduced. Images must fit the following criteria: Only 2 images per email, (if I choose your image, I may also need you to send me a 4x6 image by snail mail) I am looking for something that any special needs family can relate to, an example would be an image of your child sitting in a wheelchair facing the
Christmas tree, admiring all of the beautiful lights, not a full frontal view, it may be best if you can’t exactly tell the gender or maybe this individual is in a walker standing in the snow among siblings making a snowman and totally included in the days festivities. I’m not exactly sure, I only know it should be rather general, something we can all relate to. We really don’t have much time for this project so start pulling out your family images of years past. The image below is a perfect example of what I am looking for, it is whimsical and fun without revealing the identities of this family, an element of surprise awaits them. This image would make a nice image for a fall greeting card, help me find the best image for a very special Christmas card .One that you would be proud to send to all of your family and friends. Deadline for photo submissions will be September 9th so don’t hesitate, Christmas will be here before you know it.
Oh, and I will post some of my favorite images on my new facebook page Painting for Hailey, so be sure to head over there and like my page. I will definitely be considering your votes!

My children's book

Finally the price of my book has been reduced!

Amanda and Luke

I finished this painting awhile ago but have been unable to post it because it was a surprise gift for the bridal shower I attended over the weekend. I'm happy to finally post it, I just love the colors in this painting and also the subject, hope you enjoy viewing. Congratulations to Amanda and Luke! xoxo

Windrush Farm Horses Helping People

I have recently had the honor of writing an article for Windrush Farm. Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation is a nonprofit horse farm specializing in teaching physically, emotionally, and learning disabled children and adults to ride and work with horses.

Beautiful things happen when children with autism and horses are brought together
In this magic-like union! “Horse Play” is a program designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum who range in ages from 5-12. This summers program was well received by all who attended. Listen to a few things the volunteers had to say “ Lila improved a lot on speaking to the horse and became more confident giving verbal commands. I saw her fine motor skills improve as she worked with buckles and latches and becoming more comfortable grooming her horse.”-Casey
“At the end of the program Jon could put all his grooming tools in order and groom Chief all on his own, he seemed very happy.”-Erin

Each child got their own horse/pony to care for. Because the horse has a natural way of calming the child’s sensory system, they often times help their language skills to emerge.
Here is what Taylor had to say...“Jeff got better at grooming and touching Guiness, on the last day he could even do it by himself. He became a lot more verbal as the week went on.”

The children were encouraged to explore, process and enjoy the sights, sounds and textures found on the farm. This type of horse play was an unmounted approach, while concentrating more on contextual factors and interaction between them and their gentle partners. Fun and games were also high on the list, along with arts and crafts.

The parents were just thrilled as a sense of camaraderie unraveled in the barn. One parent marveled as she exclaimed “Every morning I asked Jon “Do you want to go to school or Windrush?” Jon loves school but he always said Windrush. He really enjoys his time here.”-Mary

An assessment from Susan, our very own instructor was that huge progress was made from each of the children as they developed unconventional ways of accomplishing motor tasks. She reminds us that we are all more capable than we think. Each child left feeling more confident than they came.

Watching with amazement as your child builds a trusting and equal relationship with the horse is pure joy. We believe that a very important piece of the puzzle is found right here at Windrush Farm. We believe in your child and when their comfort and confidence level grows, they believe in themselves.

Windrush Farm is an exceptional Farm that helps so many families in need. They have created a website that supports folks with special needs and their families in Massachusetts. It is designed to educate and walk them through all the different activities and therapies that involve horses. It then connects them with a program near them that offers what they are looking for. For more information go to their
website http://horseshelpingpeoplema.com/
© Copyright 2011 by Janet Harrold

Painting of Natalie and Hailey!

My new favorite painting. A beautiful Mom with her beautiful daughter.



I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ~Claude Monet

I am a delicate flower...you are the sunshine that helps me grow -Janet Harrold

Appropriate words can be as simple as hello or good morning

My previous post was a reminder of words that may be viewed as inappropriate to someone who has special needs. One of my loyal readers asked me to do a follow up and mention a few things that would be appropriate words to say. I always try to keep in mind that some people are a bit more sensitive than others, but in my opinion if we just remember these three things kindness, compassion and a welcoming smile, the rest will fall into place. I totally understand that it is difficult to know what to say or how to act around people of different abilities, but please try and overcome this. A very simple thing to say is... “Hello” or “good morning”. Just the same thing that you would say to anyone else. Hailey is considered non verbal, she is certainly not non-vocal. It is always appropriate to speak to her directly, even if her response is not one that you understand, that is o.k. she is in the room, lets include her. My mom loved Hailey so much, but had no idea how to talk with her initially (miss you mom :( When she was at the house, she would look at me and say “how’s Hailey” while Hailey was right beside me, I constantly said, she’s right there mom, ask her. Now, that didn’t make my mom a bad person, she just needed a little help in understanding how to talk to her and when she finally understood, she would ask to speak to her on the phone every time she called. I would assure my mother that Hailey was smiling in acknowledgement of hearing her voice, and that made us all happy.
The same principles that apply to typically developing children apply to children who have special needs -just at a different pace to match their learning abilities. It is o.k.and even welcomed to introduce your child to Hailey, or if you know us, ask to arrange a play date. Like other 4 year old girls Hailey loves to play, she enjoys other children, she loves dolls, and going in the swimming pool. She also has many things that she doesn’t like, she has good days and bad days. She has a beautiful smile that helps to define her character, her disability does not. ( But don’t let that smile fool ya) Her scream is probably louder and more demanding than anyone I know, her emotions can go from one extreme to the next at the drop of a dime. Her frustration level sometimes seams higher than the tallest mountain. Her personality is her own.
Hopefully this has helped you to interact with people who’s needs may be different than yours. I hope I opened your eyes, your mind and your heart. Hailey has certainly done that for me.

Just a little reminder:

Sometimes words and actions can be hurtful. Being the grandmother of a beautiful little girl who just happens to have C.P. I am reminded everyday how words can be hurtful, more often than not these words are not meant to be offensive, or hurtful, it is simply the lack of understanding.
So I thought I would just subtly remind people to choose their words a bit more carefully. I can’t tell you how many times in a week, Hailey comes up in conversation (well, hundreds of times actually, after all I am a proud Grammy). Very often when I happen to see or hear from someone that I haven’t heard from in years or perhaps it just comes up in general conversation that Hailey has C.P. It never fails, the dreadful words slip off their tongue effortlessly and without much thought “...Oh, i’m so sorry, that must be so difficult, is this something that she will grow out of” or how about this one...she will never have a good quality of life. Though I am well aware that her quality of life will be compromised, the reminder is unnecessary and I chose to focus on challenging her everyday and promoting her independence. These are the kinds of things that will benefit her best. I’ve heard people say that people with C.P. and other disabilities are not normal, and I can’t help but wonder who decides what “normal” is.
As defined in Wikipedia... In behavior, normal refers to a lack of significant deviation from the average. The phrase "not normal" is often applied in a negative sense (asserting that someone or some situation is improper, sick, etc.) Well, Hailey is not improper at all. Actually her actions happen to be more proper than the people who ask these silly questions or make these remarks without thinking them through. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that I didn’t do or say similar things before Hailey was born. I had no idea what to say or how to act around others who had a disability. But now I know better, and I want you to know better too. Always be aware of the impact your words can have on others. Teach your children that it is o.k. to talk to people who have a disability, otherwise you are not only sending my child the wrong message, but your child as well. I think it is all in the education, it is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one generation to another, so please, pass it along.

Well...it's official

Well...it's official

Hailey is going to be a big sister! Oh, I guess that would make me Grammy again.

Though I am convinced that this is ultimately the best decision my son and Natalie have made for their family, I am also glad it was not my decision to make.

When Hailey was born with Cerebral Palsy our family had to learn a whole different way of life. We found ourselves in unfamiliar territory, as if someone had knocked the wind out of us. We were shocked, we were scared we were in disbelief. We listened attentively at what the nurses and the team of specialists had to say. After performing an MRI the words I remembered most were "Hailey has severe brain damage" So because of this I have always been deeply divided on the pregnancy issue, that is why I am thankful it is not my decision to make. There are many times when things get tough, but should that be reason enough to not have another child? I think the answer to that question is no. Having a typically developing child will be healthy for their family as a whole. Tom and Natalie are loving and nurturing parents, I really have nothing to worry about. So why do I worry? I worry because adding a new life to the family will definitely effect the family in many ways, I worry that a new addition will get in the way of Haileys Conductive Education and other things that are important for Hailey.(Is that selfish of me)? I think the overall effect on Hailey will be a very positive one. I think about the fact that Hailey will probably need the help from a sibling later in life after her parents are gone, and I think what an important role a sibling will play in her life for many years between now and then.(is that wrong too)? Many children with siblings with special needs develop a maturity and tolerance that other children don't have. Because of this i'm sure he or she will be the best teacher, role model and advocate that Hailey can have.
The impact that Hailey will have on a new baby is also positive, I know she will just love having a baby sister or brother. She will teach her brother and/or sister how to be accepting of others, she will teach them how to smile because hers is so contagious, she will teach them patience, and most of all she will show them, just as she has shown us unconditional love. She is going to be the best big sister ever, I just know it! So i'm going to stop worrying now, embrace the moment and let myself be happy, because I know that Tom, Natalie and Hailey are happy and that is what matters most, so congratulations to my beautiful family! I love you all so much.

A tribute song for sweet Caylee Anthony

A tribute song for sweet Caylee Anthony

Greeting Cards

Growing up in Boston was a constant inspiration for me.
I love to paint the brownstones in the South End (especially in the
spring time when the Dogwood are in bloom), street scenes, traffic
lights, umbrellas,and most of all people. I love the human figure and
all of it's quirky imperfections. I need life in my work in order for it to
seem real. Recently I have taken some of my favorite Boston inspired paintings and made them into note cards, an additional fundraising effort to help send Hailey to Michigan again for another session of Conductive Education. I am honored to say that The Dana Farber Cancer Institute chose one of the images above(ducklings with the red sox hat) to help raise money for Cancer research and for patient care!:) It feels good knowing that my artwork is being used for such a good and worthwhile cause, just like it is being used to benefit Hailey. I am also proud to say that Cedar Grove Gardens is the first place to allow me to sell my cards, I must say that I enjoyed it very much to see a customer come in today and purchased 8 of them, she said she absolutely loved them! I eventually hope to also get them in to touristy type stores around Boston, they would be great sellers in a shop/cart in fanueil hall, hospital gift shops, stationary stores. etc. I would love to get them in the chain stores like The Paper Store or Hallmark etc. O.k., maybe that is being a bit too ambitious but you never know what could happen if they fall into the right hands. Another way that I thought of to get them out there was to ask friends to help out by taking 10 boxes and selling them to their co-workers and friends. Is this asking too much? Does anyone out there have any better ideas or connections.

Did you know that I accept commissions and the majority of the paintings you see here on my blog are painted from photographs? Did you know that 100% of the proceeds go to sweet Hailey’s Conductive Education? Can you help to get her there in October, maybe you know somewhere or work somewhere that will carry my greeting cards too? If so you can leave a comment below or email me harrold.janet@gmail.com

Professional Photo's of your child with special needs

Pictures, pictures, pictures...Well, we all know how beautiful Hailey is, and her mom Natalie takes tons and tons of pictures of her. Everyone who meets Hailey says the same thing. “Wow, she has the most amazing smile”. She really does, her smile is contagious and inspiring, and truthful, her smile is like the sunshine to me, very warm and sensational, it brightens my day.
As many parents of special needs children know, having your child’s picture taken professionally is not always an easy task. Many of our children experience sensory issues and have a hard time with bright lights, maybe they have a hard time sitting in one position or have difficulty with head control. Why not Have a photographer come to the house. They can capture your child in their natural setting. This might make your child feel more relaxed. Well, a couple of years ago I wanted to have Hailey’s picture taken by a professional photographer so I had Jess from Boston Baby Photos come to our house. She was very good with Hailey, at the time Hailey was not very good with strangers and I was nervous that she wouldn’t be too cooperative, Jess did a great job of keeping her distance from Hailey while getting some really, really good shots of Her. You can see them here We have a beautiful photo book that we will treasure for a life time. Not realizing that it had been 2 years since Hailey’s last photo shoot, I figured I better call Jess again. We agreed on doing trade. She would do another beautiful photo shoot of miss Hailey and I would do a painting for her. I had so much fun painting her family, they look like they are having a great walk through the park. So whimsical and fun! If you are interested in a photo shoot from Jess and live in the Boston area you can contact her here. The photographer who has taken the photo of Jess and her family is here.

Have you had trouble taking professional photo’s of your child? If so, do you have any tips on how to make your child comfortable during a photo shoot, maybe he/she has a favorite toy that may help them feel relaxed.

Love spelled out in Sign language

Happy Father's Day

Any father plays an important role in their child’s development. But the participation of the father to a special needs child is significant. In honor of Father’s Day I’d like to dedicate this post to my son Tommy. We have all heard the expression that anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy. Well, Tommy is a very Special Daddy. Most of my readers know that Hailey was born 4 years ago with Cerebral Palsy. Tommy’s commitment and dedication to his family is exceptional. I’m not quite sure how he balances work, Dr’s appointments, home life, school involvement and still manages to fit in a 4 week trip to another state so that Hailey can get the education that she needs to live a more independent life. After coming back home from the trip to Michigan, Tommy came home and immediately started making some of the furniture that Hailey would need to help her with her core strength and help her on her way to living a more conductive lifestyle. I have always been proud of Tommy as a son and as a person. But today I am most proud of the Dad that he has become.

Although I would like to take all the credit in raising the fine young man that he has become, I can’t . My husband Tom has certainly had a hand (o.k. maybe both hands) in raising him. He was a great example and leader, a symbol of strength and courage and an extraordinary family man, he raised the bar high and mastered the art of being a great Dad. So, we have promoted him to Grampy. He would go to the end of the world and back for Hailey, All she has to do is smile and Grampy melts, right there on the spot. Happy Father’s Day to two very special Dad’s.

Conductive Education at The CLC

The Conductive Learning Center
Grand Rapids Michigan

Well friends, I have to say...The four week experience that we had at the CLC just may have changed our lives and our outlook on life forever! The people who work there are so dedicated and obviously devoted to the children who attend the center. Whether they are there for one session or if they are attending full time, the approach is the same and the goal is to promote independence. It concentrates on developing and improving gross motor skills such as learning how to sit, walk and hold on to large objects, as well as fine motor skills including learning how to hold a pencil and eat and drink. Many parents are surprised to see their child sitting on the potty for the first time.
The curriculum strategies are tailored to the needs and abilities of each student, many who have Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and other Motor Challenges.
The Conductors are committed to teaching students to reach beyond what is expected. They include music and singing into a structured routine making it a fun and positive experience, so they can learn the necessary skills needed to live a more independent, confident and fulfilling life.
You can only imagine our excitement when they had Hailey up on a walker (with assistance of course) after only being there 3 days! We wholeheartedly agree with the program and want to see Hailey attending on a more regular basis. I’m not sure if that means moving to Michigan, or making the trip there more frequent. It is not even out of the question to open up a Center here in Massachusetts. Either way I have to get more aggressive in my fundraising efforts. Unfortunately Conductive Education is not covered by insurance.
Friendships are different now than they used to be, quality instead of quantity. The entire community welcomed us with open arms. The parents, the staff, and the program director were all helpful and inspirational. We felt a complete sense of belonging and unity. Families who understand, people who have never met us before opened their home and their hearts to us. It is the bond we share as families of children with special needs. Parents who have walked the road before us paved the way. The same families who have learned not to waste their precious time listening to rude comments, awkward stares and low expectations from Doctors.
To all of the Parents and Educators at The Conductive Learning Center in Michigan. I have just one thing to say. BRAVO BRAVISSIMO!

The House That Love Built

“The House that Love Built”

The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan
Their mission is to provide a “home away from home” for families of children and youth
seeking medical treatment.

As I write this post I am sitting on the front porch of The Ronald McDonald House. It’s a beautiful warm summer night in Michigan, I am feeling extremely relaxed and blessed that I am able to spend the last week of Hailey’s Conductive Education session with her. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this trip a reality. We are very proud of Hailey for all of the hard work that she is doing, and the progress she is making.

This is the house where families meet
to continue their lives, to eat and sleep.
to find their strengths and dry their tears,
to look forward with hope to better years.

Bricks and mortar seldom reflect the true nature of a house. For that transforms a house and makes it a true home, it is not the structure itself, but the love and resilience of the family who finds comfort within. The staff and volunteers here are some of the kindest people I have ever met. Their compassion is genuine and they are happy to help in any way they can. Donated goods, services and volunteer assistance help keep expenses down. The house is extremely organized. It sits on 5 beautiful acres with a walking path, picnic tables, children’s playhouses. It has 17 bedrooms, a kitchen that has four kitchenettes, it has a recreation room, laundry room, dining room indoor play room and great room. I’m sure I have missed a few things. While we were there the house had many different donations of food. The Olive Garden brought food in one night, Starbucks contributes regularly as well as random outside contributions. They offer a shuttle service that can take you to Drs. appointments, to the Conductive Learning Center etc. One of my favorite things is when they bring in therapy dogs!
Occasionally we have thought about a therapy dog for Hailey, but only time will tell if she will benefit from one. In the mean time we can still appreciate and enjoy them. When you stay at the RMDH you get free passes to some of the local Museums, fitness centers and even a zoo.
The suggested contribution is $25 dollars a night , but no one in need is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. If you are considering sending your child to the Conductive Learning Center or if you have to travel a long distance to take care of your child’s illness, I would highly recommend staying at a Ronald McDonald House, currently there are 297 houses in 30 Countries and Regions.

Hailey at Conductive Education

I just can't wait to join Hailey, Natalie and Tommy tomorrow at the Conductive Learning Center in Grand Rapids Michigan. They have been there for the last 3 weeks and Hailey has just one more week left of her session. We are extremely pleased with the progress that Hailey has made in the short time she has been there. So pleased that they are actually considering moving to Michigan so that Hailey can continue to benefit from this program. Of course the one big obstacle is the expense of the school. It is rather expensive so I will continue my fundraising efforts as well as help them in any way I can. Boston is ranked one of the best if not THE best in the country for its hospitals and schools, it's a real shame we don't have a Conductive Education Center here. It would benefit so many people in the special needs community.

Hailey Practicing how to side step

Another thing that Hailey has been working on at Conductive Education is how to side step. Notice her getting off of the bed all by herself, that is a fairly new accomplishment for her. I am so looking forward to joining them in Michigan this weekend to attend her last week! :)

Baby sign language

I found this resource through Kidz, a great blog written by many talented woman (including myself) I am honored to be part of the kidz krew. Thank you Tara for sharing.
babysignlanguage Now, don't let the title fool you. Though this is helpful for many babies even babies who do not have special needs, it is a place for any person who would like to learn some basic sign language. So many people can benefit from learning sign language, just to list a few, sign language not only benefits individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, but also those who are non verbal. This could mean people with Autism, people with Cerebral Palsy, sometimes after having a stroke, people find themselves with speech impairments, teachers can benefit from learning sign language as well. The list is really endless. You never really know when you are going to need sign language.

The website contains these free digital resources, among others:

Free printable Flash cards
Free printable wall chart
Free Tutorials
Free video dictionary
Facebook Community
Learning just a few signs can cut down on the level of frustration you may have when communication is compromised. You don't have to be an expert in sign language to benefit from using it.
So hurry on over and start learning baby sign language today! Why not equip your child with many different ways of communicating! Leave a comment about who you think may benefit from sign language. Thank you for reading!

Ben and Daniel

You may all be familiar with these boys, I have painted them a few times before. Ben and Daniel are the cutest and most delightful boys to paint. When Cary (there mom) from about the small stuff uploaded her vacation pictures on facebook, I just new there would be more paintings of them in my future. What I didn’t know was that she would want them done before Fathers Day! Oh gosh ,could I actually get them done for her before I leave to meet Hailey and Natalie in Michigan for the last week of Conductive Education?!?! Of course I will, because I know how much Hailey is benefiting from CE, and so I begin again raising money for her next visit. Thank you Cary for contributing to this wonderful cause! And thank you for sharing my artwork with your family and friends!