DN44: One of the central themes of the disability rights movement has always been inclusion. Inclusion in all aspects of life; from housing to participation in community programs and services. Obviously, this includes full access to the same educational opportunities provided to those who do not have disabilities. For Micah Fialka-Feldman this dream began when he was in the first grade. Now, at age 22, Micah is living his dream as a college student in Michigan.

This episode of DisabilityNation features an interview with Janice Fialka, her husband Rich Feldman and their son Micah. Ms. Fialka has worked professionally in the field of adolescent health care for more than 30 years, as a social worker, educator, consultant, administrator, grant writer, and trainer. Janice and her family spend significant time providing consultation and speaking to professionals and parents of children with special needs. By combining their collective experience as a family they are able to share the disability experience with school administrators, conference attendees and others, helping them to better understand the message of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities.

Micah participates in a number of advocacy and disability rights organizations including the National Youth Leadership Network. Earlier this year a documentary entitled, “Through the Same Door; Inclusion Includes College” was released to the public. This documentary, hailed by educators and advocates in the disability field, highlights Micah’s journey as a college student and disability rights activist. You can learn more about Micah and his family by visiting the Dance of Partnership site. Also, click here to read more about Micah and the film. You can also order a copy of the DVD by clicking here.

The Community Choice Act had its first hearing on September 25th at the Senate Finance Committee. The bill seeks to change the bias in the current Medicaid system that results in so many people with disabilities having to live in institutions and nursing homes to get the care they need. DN44 features a portion of the comments offered by Senator Tom harkin (D-IA) at the Community Choice Act hearing that took place just a few weeks ago. ADAPT has been working hard to get this legislation through Congress over the past several years.

DisabilityNation features the latest news from the disability community provided by Dave Reynolds of Inclusion Daily Express. Check out Inclusion Daily to receive email updates featuring news related to disability issues.

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