The new Toys R Us Differently Abled toy catalog came out this past fall. This is I believe the 19th year I photographed this wonderful catalog of fantastic kids. The first one I did, which was the first one produced, was a labor of love for me and my crew, as it still is today.

I always try and get the same crew that I've worked with for many years, as it takes a special team to photograph these special kids. Over the years we've photographed kids with downs syndrome, hearing impaired, spina bifida, autism, brittle bone (Osteogenesis imperfecta), aging (progeria), and so many other issues. In the end, one thing I learned, no matter what the ability, kids are kids, first and foremost. With that in mind, we always make it a fun experience for the kids.

This year's cover was with Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic gold medal winner in all around gymnastics. What a sweetheart. She was just great to work with and was tremendous with the kids.

When I get a chance later this month, I'll make a gallery of the kid photos from the catalogs and will reprint a Peterson's Photographic magazine column I wrote abut this great assignment I've been privileged to shoot for so many years.

The 2013 Toys R Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. All the toys have symbols to show what that toy is good for, such as fine motor skills, hearing, socialization, and much more. Ask for it at your local Toys R Us.