Stories brimming with empathy, audacity, and love to help you stand up for your child. Parenting a child with special needs was never in your plan. The diagnosis comes as a shock, with more questions than answers. Heartbroken and overwhelmed, you wonder if you’re up to this challenge. When mother of four Cynthia Schulz received her daughter’s diagnosis, she felt the same way. Now, 40 years later, she’s become a champion of children with disabilities and written the book she wishes she had from the very beginning. Today, families all over the world are raising children with developmental disabilities to live wonderful lives beyond expectations. In Shine On , Schulz shares her stories and those of many families she’s met along the way to give insight into what it takes. She doesn’t shy away from the reality that this life is difficult, but brings to light the triumphs, joys, and laughter that come with it. As she tackles everything from childhood through adulthood, including education, inclusion, family, friendships, community, and careers, you’ll see vivid reflections of yourself and your child in Schulz’s words and perhaps a glimpse of what to expect in the future. Practical, funny, heartwarming, and written in a style that feels like chatting with a friend over coffee, Shine On is a book you can open again and again to feel connected, empowered, and certain you are exactly the parent your child needs. "Like a well-placed curb cut, this book beckons all kinds. Cynthia Schulz delivers wit, insight, and a never-say-die grit to the project of family, particularly those with a child who is 'perfectly imperfect.' Prepare to have her roll off with a piece of your heart." Karen R. Long, manager emerita, Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards " Shine On contains many creative and innovative ideas to get kids with physical and developmental disabilities involved in the community. Cynthia Schulz's optimistic approach will help parents concentrate on discovering the many things their child is capable of doing." Temple Grandin, author, Thinking in Pictures Cynthia Schulz is a voice to be reckoned with in the disability community. With 40 years of experience as a mother raising a daughter with special needs, she's become a forceful advocate. After a 45-year career leading corporate communications, she now is pursuing her passion to make life better for those touched by intellectual and developmental disabilities. Long involved in her community, she's currently on the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Ohio. She and her husband are parents of four adult children. All of them live in Greater Cleveland. This is her first book.