I am a freelance
writer working primarily in the areas of Autism, Special Needs
Children, and Education with a passion for politics.
I am married to Jim Shimek and the mother
of two sons. Ryan is 18 and Michael 5 and also Autistic.
I live outside a quaint little town in Minnesota along the
Crow River
with my family, our beloved hunting dogs and the wildlife
that accompanies living in Minnesota. After Michael was born
I retired from a career in Emergency Medical Services and
embraced my role as a parent of a Special Needs Child. 
I have firm views on education and funding
for Special Education in Public Schools in the United States.
I
believe
that funding for Public Schools is complex but
what our current Government Policies are providing, is not
working. Rather it is a travesty.
Investing in the education of all students
by appropriating the proper tax payer dollars to our schools
is an investment that our current Government seems unwilling
to make.
In my opinion the Special Education Budget
that most public schools are forced to work with is criminal.
Many of
these students are left to settle for poor education
because of inadequate tax payer dollars. This is forcing
many to enter
adulthood
with no possibilities of gaining
independence. In the end the tax payer
will spend many fold in taking on the financial responsibilities
once they become adults. Rather then allowing them the education
they are entitled to so they may strive to be independent.
The funding for education in our country has
fallen to the bottom of our priorities for far to long. A sound
investment in education for the students of this country defines
what this nation was based on. Over the course of a decade,
that base has been compromised and is continuing to fall. We
as a country need to strive to gain that base back and make
education for all Special Needs and non-Special Needs
students a definition of what the United States of America
stands for.
You need to speak up for your Special Needs Child. You are
the only voice they have. Once you find that voice the possibilities
for your child are endless.
“Kind words placed in a gentle manner are soothing and
sweet and this reflects a persons kindness. A firm tone and
a blunt statement made, allows the topic to be remembered”.
JJJ-S
I also writes under the pen name J. Jeanette
Jay and Julie Jurgens-Shimek.
In my very limited spare time I enjoy
time with my family and friends. I enjoy boating, snowmobiling,
entertaining,
the comfort of becoming lost while reading a good book, old
black and white movies of the 40’s & 50’s or
a fine glass of wine while listening to Nina Simone.
A percentage of all profits from my writing
including the book “The
Color Red” go to a newly started
Autism Program in a Minnesota Public School our son Michael
attends along with other Autistic students. |
Current Works
I am currently busy promoting my book “The
Color Red” which is published by AuthorHouse.
In addition
I have 2 other books in the works. One is an extension of
the book “The Color Red”.
I am looking for approximately 20 families in the Minnesota
area who are raising Autistic children.
Many have found my family's story moving and a gateway into
the life raising a child with Autism.
I believe there are many stories to be told dealing with
Autism. I am
looking for a broad spectrum of Autistic children
and families. If you wish for your family to be considered
in this
book, please email me at julie@jjshimek.com with
your contact information and a summary of your family.
There will be a follow up book to “The
Color Red” in
approximately 2-3 years . Julie is also working on a novel
she hopes to have out in 2008.
You may contact me at
julie@jjshimek.com with
questions or comments pertaining to the book “The
Color Red”. For inquiries
concerning my current work in progress please
email me directly if you wish to be considered in this book.
See current works area of the bio section for updates.
To schedule book signing‘s, speaking
engagement‘s,
and all press interviews please contact my publicist
at susan@jjshimek.com |
