There is a dirty little secret going on in special education today. I hadn't known about the extent of the problem, despite considering myself a well-informed civilian when it comes to education issues. And I, as a former special-ed student, spent my share of time away from the class to chill out or think about my "transgressions"(which, even when isolation is properly applied, more or less, left me feeling more punished than mellow.) And I was not locked in the time-out room, nor denied access to a bathroom and/or attendant services. Even so, I doubt it was effective.

But I had no idea about the extent to which the seclusion(or time-out) rooms have been misused in school districts around the country, culminating in a case in Georgia where thirteen-year-old Jonathan King hung himself, ironically with a belt that a teacher had provided for him to keep his pants up.

Micah Fialka-Feldman has been a pioneer in inclusion for many years. He has been taking classes, participating in clubs, and currently pays full tuition at Oakland University, located just outside of Detroit Michigan. In 2007, the university gave Micah a tour of the dormitory, accepted his deposit, confirmed his "move in date" and then said no. In the last 60 days, the student body, the local media and people from across the country have expressed support for Micah's dream and the right of all Option Program students to live in the dormitory.

I first became familiar with Micah and his family when I interviewed them on episode 44 of DisabilityNation a little over one year ago. The interview covers a documentary focusing on Micah's battle for inclusion called Through the Same Door.